A high-level review meeting was held in Bihar, chaired by Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, to discuss preparations for the upcoming Bihar Assembly General Election 2025. The meeting, conducted via video conferencing in the old secretariat assembly hall, involved discussions on various crucial aspects of the election and the issuance of necessary guidelines.
Present at the meeting were Director General of Police Vinay Kumar, Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiayal, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, Divisional Commissioner, Magadh, and several senior officials including District Magistrates/Superintendents of Police of the concerned districts. The District Magistrates/Police Superintendents of Arwal, Nawada, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, and Gaya districts presented details of the election preparations being undertaken in their respective districts.
Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiayal issued several key directives regarding election preparations. He clarified that one booth will be determined for every 1200 voters. He directed the timely completion of data entry in the election software by the staff. Additionally, he instructed to ensure the execution of received applications, identify shadow zones and create a communication plan for them, and ensure the arrangement of sufficient vehicles.
He emphasized the seizure of illegal weapons and cartridges. He clarified that the shifting of booths will not generally take place, instead, additional booths should be created at the same locations. Instructions were also given to coordinate with the Forest Department for continuous raids in border areas and to coordinate with relevant departments to provide Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at the booths.
Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department Arvind Kumar Chaudhary issued several important directives related to security arrangements. He emphasized inspecting weapons, inspecting arms shops, verifying the used bullets, and expediting the disposal of pending cases in the police station. He also directed that all prisons should be inspected every month. Instructions were also given to keep a close watch on social media to prevent the spread of misleading news, and to take immediate action if such instances occur.
Director General of Police Vinay Kumar instructed all police officers to quickly execute pending arrest warrants and attachment warrants. The Chief Secretary also directed that the district administration should begin comprehensive preparations to ensure free, fair, and peaceful voting. Effective administrative arrangements should be made to ensure 100% compliance with the instructions of the Election Commission of India. The vehicle checking campaign should be intensified at the check posts established in the districts. Special vigilance should be maintained on the inter-state borders.