With the Bihar Assembly elections approaching, the Election Commission has intensified its preparations to ensure free and fair voting across the state. On Saturday, the poll body met with political parties, and on Sunday, it held critical discussions with enforcement agencies in Patna. Following these meetings, the Commission is expected to brief the media on the progress of election readiness.
Senior officials from the Income Tax Department, police, and other enforcement agencies participated in the meetings to review action plans aimed at maintaining transparency and integrity in the upcoming polls. Strategic sessions were also conducted with the Chief Electoral Officer, State Police Nodal Officer, and representatives of central security forces to assess operational readiness. A high-level review of state-level coordination with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and other senior bureaucrats is planned.
Addressing a press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar confirmed that elections will be conducted before November 22. "There are 243 general constituencies in Bihar. Elections will be conducted before November 22. The entire team of the Election Commission is present in Bihar for two days. Election Commission officials held meetings with the Bihar police administration, heads of enforcement agencies, and nodal officers," he said.
CEC Kumar urged voters to actively participate in the elections, comparing the enthusiasm for voting to the celebration of the Chhath Puja festival. "We congratulate the voters of India. I appeal to all the voters of Bihar to celebrate this festival of democracy with the same enthusiasm as you celebrate Chhath. Everyone should vote and ensure their participation," he added.
Highlighting improvements in ballot design, Kumar announced that starting with the Bihar elections, candidates’ photographs on ballot papers will be in colour and serial numbers will feature a larger font for better visibility. "When the ballot paper is inserted into the EVM, the photo on it is black and white, making it difficult to identify, even though the election symbol remains. It was also suggested that the serial number should be larger. So, starting with the Bihar elections, the serial number font will be larger across the country, and the candidates' photographs will be colour photographs," he explained.
