Bihar MLC Poll Counting: Congress Candidate Protests Over CCTV Absence at Patna Centre

Congress candidate Dr Sanjay Yadav staged a sit-in at Bankipur Girls Senior Secondary School, where counting for the Patna Graduates’ and Patna Teachers’ constituencies was underway under tight security.

Yadav alleged that CCTV cameras had been installed in several parts of the counting centre but were missing from the area where ballot boxes were opened and votes counted.

“There are CCTV cameras everywhere in the counting centre, except where the ballot boxes are being opened, and the counting is taking place. In such a situation, the counting process is rendered meaningless,” he said, calling on the Election Commission to ensure adequate safeguards.

Congress Candidate Seeks Written Clarification

Yadav said he had raised the issue with Patna District Magistrate Kundan Kumar, who informed him that CCTV cameras inside the counting area were not required under the applicable Election Commission guidelines.

According to Yadav, the district magistrate did not provide a written response to his concerns.

The Congress candidate said he would continue his sit-in until a camera was installed in the counting area or the administration provided a written clarification explaining the arrangements.

Jan Suraaj and RJD Candidates Also Raise Concerns

The objections were not limited to the Congress candidate.

Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh also expressed dissatisfaction with the arrangements, describing the counting area as untidy and questioning why CCTV cameras had not been installed there.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Dr Sanjeev Kumar similarly raised concerns over the absence of camera surveillance, arguing that the arrangement could affect confidence in the counting process.

Kumar said continuous CCTV monitoring would be preferable to videography conducted at intervals and called for greater transparency in the proceedings.

District Administration Says Rules Are Being Followed

Responding to the objections, Patna District Magistrate Kundan Kumar said the counting arrangements had been made in accordance with the Election Commission of India’s guidelines and standard operating procedures.

He clarified that CCTV cameras had not been installed inside the counting area for the election and that videography was being conducted instead.

Kumar also said candidates had been briefed about the procedures governing the counting process.

The dispute unfolded as counting continued for the Patna Graduates’ and Patna Teachers’ constituencies, with Opposition candidates seeking further assurances over transparency and the district administration maintaining that the prescribed procedures were being followed.