Patna: With just one day remaining until the Bihar Assembly Election results, the state is on high alert as counting centers across all 38 districts prepare for a significant counting operation on November 14. This election has set a historic record with a 67% voter turnout, the highest ever recorded in Bihar. Notably, women outperformed men in voter turnout by 9%, indicating a noteworthy change in the state’s political landscape. Based on a compilation of 16 exit polls, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is anticipated to secure 154 out of 243 seats, hinting at a potential return of the Nitish Kumar-led administration.
If these exit polls are accurate, women voters are likely to play a crucial role in the NDA’s resurgence. On the other hand, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has expressed concerns regarding possible irregularities in the counting process. “Slow down the counting or organize flag marches; our people will prevent vote theft. Dishonesty will not be tolerated,” Yadav stated on the second day of polling. During a press conference on Wednesday, he alleged a “conspiracy to delay counting,” claiming “there was manipulation last time as well” and cautioned that “any malpractice will not be tolerated.” Strong Room and Counting Center Security Strong rooms have been set up in all 38 districts of Bihar, each equipped with a separate counting center.
The Election Commission has guaranteed that EVMs and VVPATs are securely stored under a three-tier security system, with videography conducted in the presence of candidates, agents, and central observers. The first two layers of security are provided by the Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF), comprising CISF and CRPF. The second layer is overseen by the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP), while the third layer consists of the District Armed Police (DAP). Senior police officials and magistrates will be on duty around the clock to oversee the premises. Each counting center has established a control room for real-time monitoring by senior district officials. All District Election Officers and Returning Officers have been directed to inspect strong rooms daily.
CCTV cameras will provide continuous live streaming of strong rooms, accessible to candidates and their agents from designated viewing areas. Backup power systems, including generators, inverters, and UPS units, will ensure uninterrupted monitoring. Counting Process Explained Counting is set to commence at 8 a.m. sharp. According to Election Commission guidelines, the counting of postal ballots and ETPBS (Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System) will be conducted first, followed by the counting of EVMs after a 30-minute interval. Each Assembly constituency will have designated tables for postal ballots, staffed by four counting personnel per table—one supervisor, two assistants, and one micro-observer—supervised by an Assistant Returning Officer.
For EVM counting, 14 tables will be arranged in each counting center, with 14 EVMs counted simultaneously in one round. Each counting round will take approximately 10–15 minutes. Initial trends are expected to emerge by 9 a.m., with results updated live on the Election Commission’s website. The number of polling stations in each constituency will influence how quickly results are announced—smaller constituencies are projected to report results earlier. Officials indicate that Mokama constituency is likely to declare its results first, while Digha will be among the last. Legal Safeguards and Post-Result Procedure Sections 128 and 129 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, mandate confidentiality in the counting process. Details regarding specific officers or table allocations remain confidential.
Any misconduct or tampering at counting centers is punishable under Section 136 of the Act, with penalties including imprisonment of six months to two years, fines, or both. Following the results announcement, the Returning Officer (District Magistrate) will issue victory certificates to the winning candidates. EVMs will remain secured in strong rooms for 45 days post-counting and will be safely stored for six months before repositioning. Counting at AN College, Patna In the capital, vote counting will occur at AN College, where votes from 14 Assembly constituencies will be tallied. To ensure order, traffic diversions will be enforced from 5 a.m., with routes around Boring Road, Patliputra, Rajapur Bridge, and Shivpuri closed to regular vehicles.
Only emergency vehicles, including ambulances, fire tenders, and judicial vehicles, will be permitted. The AN College center will operate under a three-tier security system: First Tier: CAPF – one platoon of CISF and two platoons of CRPF. Second Tier: One company of BSAP. Third Tier: 12 sections of District Armed Police. Additionally, three ASPs/DSPs, 13 police officers, and 12 magistrates will maintain continuous surveillance, with ongoing CCTV monitoring to avert any breaches. As Bihar anticipates the results of one of its most closely watched elections, all attention is now focused on the counting centers, where the future of the state’s political leadership will be revealed tomorrow.
