All Preparations Completed, Tight Security Arrangements in Place; 14 Companies of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces Deployed
Patna: The district administration and the Election Commission have completed all preparations for the much-awaited Bankipur Assembly by-election in Bihar. Extensive security measures have been put in place to ensure free, fair, peaceful, and transparent polling. To prevent any untoward incidents during the election, 14 companies of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF) have been deployed across the constituency.
In addition, the Election Commission has constituted 9 Flying Squads, 18 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs), and 6 Video Surveillance Teams (VSTs) to monitor election-related activities and ensure strict compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.
According to district election officials, all logistical, administrative, and security arrangements have been completed well in advance. Special attention has been given to security at polling stations, surveillance, traffic management, and emergency response to ensure smooth conduct of the election.
Security Given Top Priority
Security has been accorded the highest priority for the Bankipur by-election. Along with the deployment of 14 companies of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces, Bihar Police, district police personnel, and other security agencies will also be on duty throughout the election process.
Additional security personnel will be deployed at sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations. Thorough security checks will be conducted before polling begins, while security forces will continue area domination exercises and flag marches to maintain law and order.
Flying Squads to Monitor Every Activity
To ensure strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, the Election Commission has deployed 9 Flying Squads across the constituency. These teams will remain on continuous patrol and respond immediately to election-related complaints.
If reports of cash distribution, liquor transportation, gifts, voter inducement, or any other election-related violation are received, the Flying Squads will take prompt action.
Static Surveillance Teams to Conduct Intensive Checks
A total of 18 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) have been deployed at strategic checkpoints, major roads, and sensitive locations throughout the constituency.
Their primary responsibility will be to inspect vehicles, monitor suspicious activities, and prevent the movement of illegal cash, liquor, or other prohibited materials that could influence the election process.
These teams will maintain round-the-clock vigilance to ensure the election remains free from any external influence.
Video Surveillance Teams to Record Election Activities
The Election Commission has also deployed 6 Video Surveillance Teams (VSTs) to record election-related activities.
These teams will monitor campaign activities, polling stations, and other important locations. The recorded footage will serve as evidence in the event of any complaints or disputes, thereby strengthening transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Polling Stations Fully Prepared
The administration has ensured that all polling stations are equipped with essential facilities, including drinking water, toilets, seating arrangements, electricity, ramps, and special arrangements for elderly and differently-abled voters.
Polling personnel have already received training on the operation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems. Distribution of polling materials will be carried out according to the scheduled plan.
Strict Instructions to Maintain Law and Order
District authorities have issued detailed instructions to police officers and magistrates to maintain law and order throughout the polling process. Security patrols will be intensified in sensitive areas, and strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to create unrest or spread rumors.
Authorities will also closely monitor social media platforms to prevent the circulation of misleading or inflammatory content that could disturb the electoral process.
Voters Urged to Cast Their Votes Fearlessly
The Election Commission and district administration have appealed to voters to exercise their democratic right without fear or pressure.
Officials have assured citizens that adequate security arrangements have been made at every polling station and that every voter will be able to cast their vote in a safe and secure environment.
The administration has urged voters to reach polling stations on time and actively participate in strengthening democracy through their vote.
Continuous Monitoring by the Election Commission
Senior Election Commission officials will closely monitor the polling process throughout election day. A centralized control room has been established to supervise activities at all polling stations in real time.
After polling concludes, all Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be transported under tight security to designated strong rooms. These strong rooms will remain under the protection of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces and will be monitored round-the-clock through CCTV surveillance.
Bankipur Ready for a Peaceful Democratic Exercise
With all preparations complete, the administration is fully prepared to conduct the Bankipur Assembly by-election smoothly. Every aspect—from security deployment and polling station arrangements to surveillance and election monitoring—has been meticulously planned.
The deployment of 14 companies of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces, 9 Flying Squads, 18 Static Surveillance Teams, and 6 Video Surveillance Teams reflects the Election Commission's commitment to ensuring a free, fair, peaceful, and transparent election.
Officials have made it clear that any attempt to disrupt law and order or influence the electoral process will be dealt with firmly. All agencies are working in close coordination to ensure that voters can exercise their democratic rights in a secure atmosphere. Attention is now focused on achieving peaceful polling and a high voter turnout.
