A crucial review meeting was held in Bihar, presided over by Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, to assess the state’s readiness for the upcoming 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. The meeting, conducted via video conference at the old secretariat, focused on vital election-related issues and the issuing of necessary guidelines.
Key participants included the Director General of Police, Vinay Kumar; Chief Electoral Officer, Vinod Singh Gunjiayal; Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Arvind Kumar Chaudhary; the Divisional Commissioner of Magadh; and District Magistrates and Police Superintendents from concerned districts. Representatives from Arwal, Nawada, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, and Gaya districts provided updates on election preparedness in their respective areas.
Chief Electoral Officer, Vinod Singh Gunjiayal, issued several important directives. He specified that one polling booth would be established for every 1200 voters. He also mandated the timely completion of data entry in election software. Other instructions included ensuring the processing of all received applications, identifying and creating communication plans for shadow zones, and ensuring an adequate supply of vehicles.
Furthermore, the focus was on the recovery of illegal weapons and ammunition. Gunjiayal clarified that booth relocations should be avoided; instead, additional booths should be set up in the same locations. He also instructed for collaboration with the Forest Department for ongoing raids in border regions, as well as coordination with relevant departments to guarantee Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at polling booths.
Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, provided key directives regarding security protocols. These included conducting weapon and arms shop inspections, validating used ammunition, and expediting the resolution of pending cases in police stations. He also mandated monthly inspections of all prisons and directed strict monitoring of social media to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Director General of Police Vinay Kumar instructed all police officers to execute pending arrest and property seizure warrants promptly. The Chief Secretary further directed district administrations to initiate comprehensive preparations to guarantee free, fair, and peaceful elections. These preparations include ensuring strict compliance with the Election Commission of India’s guidelines, intensifying vehicle checks at district checkpoints, and maintaining heightened vigilance at inter-state borders.