The 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly is set to undergo elections in two phases on November 6 and 11, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 14, marking an important political event in the state’s calendar. As preparations for the polls intensify, enforcement agencies across Bihar have ramped up operations to prevent illegal activities and the misuse of money and power during the election period.
According to official data released by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), enforcement agencies have seized liquor, cash, drugs, and freebies worth a total of ₹64.13 crore since the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the poll schedule on October 6. These extensive recoveries reflect the administration’s efforts to maintain transparency and ensure free and fair elections across all districts of Bihar.
A significant portion of the seized items includes liquor worth ₹23.41 crore, a notable figure given Bihar’s status as a dry state, where the sale and consumption of alcohol have been banned since 2016. Additionally, officials reported the confiscation of freebies valued at ₹14 crore, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances worth ₹16.88 crore, and cash amounting to ₹4.19 crore. These materials were allegedly being circulated to influence voters ahead of the upcoming polls.
Authorities have also taken strict enforcement measures against individuals involved in illegal election activities. Since October 6, a total of 753 people have been arrested, and 13,587 non-bailable warrants have been executed across the state. These actions underline the government’s commitment to curb election-related offences and maintain law and order throughout the campaign period.
In line with directives from the Election Commission of India, multiple departments, including the state police, excise department, income tax department, customs, revenue intelligence, and enforcement directorates, have been instructed to intensify vigilance. A senior official confirmed that flying squads, static surveillance teams, and video monitoring units are operational round-the-clock to detect and deter attempts to bribe or influence voters through illegal inducements.
The ECI has also emphasized that law enforcement actions must be carried out without causing public inconvenience. Officials have been directed to conduct inspections and searches with professionalism while maintaining transparency and fairness during checks.
To ensure effective monitoring of the election process, the Election Commission has deployed a large contingent of officers. For the first phase, 121 general observers and 18 police observers have been appointed, while for the second phase, 122 general observers and 20 police observers will oversee proceedings. These observers are tasked with ensuring that every aspect of the election—from campaigning to polling and counting—remains free from bias and malpractice.
Observers have also been instructed to frequently visit polling stations to ensure that the new voter convenience initiatives introduced by the Commission are properly implemented. These measures include accessibility improvements, voter assistance booths, and real-time monitoring of polling activities.
Meanwhile, the filing of nomination papers for the first phase of elections closed on October 17, while the final date for submitting nominations for the second phase is Monday. Following the scrutiny and withdrawal process, the Election Commission will finalize the list of contesting candidates for both phases.
The upcoming Bihar Assembly elections are expected to be a closely watched political contest, with administrative agencies and law enforcement bodies working in tandem to ensure a secure, transparent, and corruption-free electoral process.
