Patna: Preparations are finalized for vote counting in Patna district following the conclusion of polling on November 6 for the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, 2025. The counting is scheduled to commence at 8 a.m. on November 14 at A.N. College, Patna. The District Election Officer and District Magistrate of Patna stated that counting is a critical phase of the election process, and all necessary arrangements are being implemented to ensure it proceeds smoothly, peacefully, and transparently. Officials have established a separate counting hall for each of the 14 Assembly constituencies within the district. Each hall will contain 14 counting tables, staffed by three officials at each table: a counting supervisor, a counting assistant, and a micro-observer.
Their appointments were made through computerized randomization to guarantee fairness. Additionally, a distinct process has been put in place for counting postal ballots, where one Assistant Returning Officer, one counting supervisor, two assistants, and a micro-observer will oversee the operation. The entire procedure is being executed according to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) set by the Election Commission of India. For effective management, three teams have been formed for each Assembly constituency: the Returning Officer Team, the EVM-VVPAT Operations Team, and the Strong Room Team. Computer operators assigned to technical tasks have received specialized training from the District Information Science Officer and IT Manager of Patna to manage all data entry and technical needs related to EVMs and vote counting.
The Returning Officer will officially declare the results after each count round to maintain transparency. A dedicated data center has been established at the district level to monitor every aspect of the counting process, collecting and documenting information from all counting halls to ensure real-time reporting. Special attention has been given to providing essential facilities at the counting center, including toilets, clean drinking water, electricity, sanitation, and medical assistance. Arrangements for firefighting and traffic management have also been implemented to uphold safety and order. The District Magistrate has mandated that no unauthorized personnel will be permitted inside the counting center, and the premises will be under CCTV surveillance.
The Election Commission’s guidelines strictly forbid the use of mobile phones within the counting rooms by candidates, agents, and officials. All involved departments — including the personnel cell, model code of conduct cell, law and order cell, and postal ballot cell — have been directed to collaborate closely to ensure a smooth process. The District Magistrate expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conclusion of voting earlier this month, asserting that the administration is dedicated to conducting the counting in a similarly peaceful and festive environment. He extended thanks to voters, officials, and staff for their cooperation, affirming that the administration is fully equipped to conduct the counting in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
“Every officer and staff member is alert and ready to ensure that the people’s mandate is respected with full honesty,” he remarked.