The Election Commission of India (ECI) has called on law enforcement and security agencies to take proactive and preventive steps to stop the movement of illegal cash, liquor, drugs and other inducements during the upcoming Bihar elections 2025, reported the PTI.
In a high-level meeting held on Friday, the poll body discussed a comprehensive strategy to curb the misuse of money and material influence that could impact voter behaviour.
The EC directed enforcement agencies to adopt a policy of “zero tolerance” for any attempts to sway the electorate through illegal means.
Agencies were told to map high-risk constituencies, particularly near inter-state and international borders, including those with Nepal. They were also instructed to strengthen coordination at the national, state, and district levels and to share intelligence regarding economic offences, including the movement of fake currency, as per the PTI.
The EC reviewed preparations with 17 departments, including the CBDT, CBIC, ED, DRI, CEIB, FIU-IND, RBI, IBA, NCB, RPF, CISF, BSF, CRPF, SSB, BCAS, AAI and the Department of Posts.
The Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) of Bihar also participated in the meeting online, along with the state’s Chief Electoral Officer.
The commission laid particular emphasis on cracking down on covert election spending by candidates and political parties, as well as maintaining transparency throughout the election process.
The Election Commission had earlier announced the schedule for the polls.
The state’s 243 assembly seats will go to the polls in two phases, on November 6 and 11, with the counting of votes set for November 14.
In the 2015 Assembly elections, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) secured 80 seats with 18.8 per cent vote share, while ally Congress won 27 seats with 6.8 per cent. The Janata Dal (United), then part of the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), bagged 71 seats with 17.3 per cent vote share. The BJP won 53 seats with the highest vote share at 25 per cent, and other parties took 8 seats with a combined 22.5 per cent.
The Election Commission has also released the final electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The number of electors now stands at 7.42 crore, down from 7.89 crore in June.
As per the Commission, 65 lakh names were removed from the draft list, while 21.53 lakh new voters were added. 1.63 lakh voters have been added in 14 Patna constituencies, 85,645 in Madhubani, and 56,423 in Nalanda post the revision process.
(with PTI and ANI inputs)