As the Bihar Assembly elections approach, strict measures are being put in place to ensure smooth and secure polling. Among these measures, the state administration has ordered the closure of educational institutions in the districts involved in the first phase of voting. This precaution aims to facilitate voter participation and maintain law and order during polling hours.The first phase of voting covers 121 assembly seats spread across 17 districts in North and South Bihar. Polling will take place from 7 am to 6 pm. The election commission has emphasised the importance of peaceful voting and has deployed a large number of officials and security personnel to oversee the process.Schools and colleges to close in 17 districtsThe Election Commission has directed that all schools and colleges in the 17 districts where phase I polling will occur remain closed on the day of voting. This includes institutions in Patna, Darbhanga, Madhepura, Saharsa, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Munger, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Buxar, and Bhojpur.This move ensures that students, teachers, and staff can participate in the democratic process without hindrance. It also aids in preventing any disruptions at polling centres, which are often set up in or near educational institutions.
List of constituencies in phase IVoting will take place in the following 121 assembly constituencies:
Overview of the first phase and security arrangementsThe first phase will see polling across diverse constituencies, including key seats in Patna and other districts. A total of 850,000 officials have been deployed statewide for the entire election exercise. This force comprises 453,000 polling personnel, 250,000 police personnel, over 28,000 counting staff, and 18,000 micro-observers.Tight security will be maintained at nomination centres as well, where candidates are filing nominations for 121 assembly seats until October 17. Strict rules limit the number of people accompanying candidates to five, including the candidate, and videography will monitor the entire process to prevent malpractice.Detailed list of constituencies and districts involvedThe first phase includes constituencies such as Alamnagar, Bihariganj, Darbhanga Rural, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Siwan, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Munger, Nalanda, Patna Sahib, Danapur, Arrah, Buxar, and others. The 121 seats span across the 17 districts, covering urban and rural areas with varied demographic profiles.Voting is scheduled from 7 am to 6 pm in all these constituencies. The Election Commission has advised the public to cooperate fully with officials and adhere to guidelines issued for the smooth conduct of elections.Closing and withdrawal dates for nominationsThe nomination filing for phase I will conclude on October 17, followed by scrutiny of papers on October 18. Candidates may withdraw their nominations by October 20. The counting of votes for both phases will be held on November 14, after the second phase of polling concludes on November 11.These elections are crucial as both major alliances, the NDA and the Grand Alliance, work to retain and expand their influence. The first phase’s closely fought seats will play a significant role in determining the overall outcome.
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