Patna: Authorities in Patna have announced stringent security and administrative measures as the first phase of the Bihar assembly elections draws near. Fourteen constituencies in the district will go to the polls on November 6, with more than 4.8 million voters expected to cast their ballots at 5,665 polling stations.
District magistrate Dr. Thiyagarajan SM and senior superintendent of police Kartikeya Sharma outlined preparations at a press conference on Monday, shortly after the Election Commission declared the poll schedule. Nominations open on October 10 and close on October 17, with scrutiny the following day and withdrawals permitted until October 20.
According to the district administration, 2.54 million male and 2.28 million female voters are registered, along with 82,030 first-time voters aged 18–19 and 157 transgender voters. Photo identity cards have been issued to all eligible electors. The district magistrate added that political parties, officials, media houses and citizens would be required to strictly adhere to the model code of conduct. Voter list applications will remain open until October 17, though the final cut-off for inclusion on polling day is October 8.
Security has been intensified across the district, with 32 checkpoints established along border areas and 29 companies of security personnel deployed across 23 administrative blocks. Additional forces will be mobilised in the coming days, while horses, boats and drones will be used to patrol and monitor sensitive riverine and floodplain regions.
SSP said action under the Crime Control Act had been initiated against 184 individuals, each required to report daily to their local police station. He warned that violations would invite strict action. Officials stressed that preparations were on a “war footing” to ensure the elections in Patna are conducted peacefully and fairly.
