Patna: Patna is preparing for one of its most tightly-managed election counts in recent years, with authorities converting N College into what officials describe as an “impenetrable fortress” for the 14 November tallying of votes from all 14 assembly constituencies in the district.
The first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, held on 6 November across 121 seats in 18 districts, passed peacefully. But the decisive moment will unfold next week, when thousands of EVMs are opened under enhanced surveillance and stringent movement controls.
Fortress-Like Security And 24/7 Monitoring
District officials said N College has been secured with high-resolution CCTV cameras, 24×7 monitoring from a central control room, and a strict pass-based entry system.
“No one without valid authorisation will be allowed inside,” an official noted.
The three-layer security ring around counting halls includes:
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Inner ring: company commandos
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Middle ring: Bihar Police
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Outer ring: paramilitary forces guarding a 100-metre perimeter
SSP Kartikeya K Sharma said the EVMs inside the strong rooms have already been under double-layer security, which will shift to a triple-layer model once counting begins.
“Heavy deployment of police, armed units and paramilitary forces will remain in place. The outer perimeter will be completely sealed on counting day,” he said.
14 LCD Screens For Round-Wise, Real-Time Results
In a first for the district, authorities will install 14 dedicated LCD screens, one for each assembly seat, to display real-time round-wise results.
Representatives of all political parties will sit before these screens to independently track every update, a move officials described as a “new benchmark in transparency”.
Special Measures For Women Personnel And Agents
Female police officers have been posted at every entry point, while separate counters and queues have been created for women agents. Officials said any complaint involving harassment or misconduct will be dealt with “immediately and firmly”.
Crackdown On Rumours And Misinformation
District Magistrate Dr Tyagarajan SM warned that spreading rumours, causing disruptions, or attempting to influence the process would result in instant FIRs. A dedicated team will simultaneously monitor social media platforms for misinformation.
“All preparations are complete. The campus is under full CCTV coverage, and every camera is monitored continuously from the control room,” he said.
14 Seats Await Verdict
The Patna constituencies going to count include Barh, Mokama, Bakhtiarpur, Vikram, Masaurhi, Paliganj, Maner, Danapur, Phulwari, Fatuha, Bankipur, Patna Sahib, Kumhrar and Digha.
Counting will begin at 8am on 14 November, with officials expecting most results to be clear by early afternoon.
