Bihar on High Alert as Vote Counting Day Approaches
Authorities across Bihar have implemented comprehensive security measures and ordered widespread school closures as the state prepares for vote counting on Friday. The precautionary steps come amid heightened political tensions following controversial remarks from RJD leader Sunil Kumar Singh.
The state administration moved swiftly to prevent any potential disturbances, with district magistrates and electoral officers enforcing restrictions citing law and order concerns. The decision affects numerous districts including Patna, Muzaffarpur, Nawada, Kishanganj, Purnia, and Katihar.
Statewide Educational Institutions Shut Down
In Patna, District Education Officer Saket Ranjan issued directives for the closure of all government, non-government, and private schools on Friday. The order also extends to coaching centers and other educational institutions throughout the district.
"The decision was taken with the consent of the Patna DM, and all schools have been informed in this regard," confirmed the District Education Officer. Similar instructions were replicated across multiple districts as part of a coordinated security strategy.
Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen provided additional context, explaining that the counting process at Ahiyapur would involve heavy vehicle movement near the counting center. "During vote counting, there is a possibility of difficulty in the operation of school buses and coaching institute vehicles. The decision has been taken from the perspective of student safety and maintaining smooth traffic arrangements," Sen stated.
RJD Leader's Warning Sparks Political Controversy
The security measures follow provocative statements from RJD MLC Sunil Kumar Singh, a close associate of party chief Lalu Prasad. On Thursday, Singh issued a stark warning about potential "Nepal-like protests" if any irregularities occur during the vote counting process.
"I warn the officials that if they indulge in counting fraud, then Bihar streets will have scenes of protests as witnessed in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, and the overall situation will be out of the government's control," Singh told reporters. He urged election officers to act responsibly, emphasizing that "people are very much alert this time and will respond suitably."
The RJD leader referenced the 2020 assembly polls, alleging that the counting process was deliberately halted for hours, resulting in narrow defeats for RJD candidates. "Either the candidate or the returning officer will come out of counting centres, and you will get to see the scenes that happened in Nepal," he added confidently.
Singh claimed that the RJD had already secured a majority in the elections, stating: "The people have voted for change. This voting was not to save Nitish Kumar but to make Tejashwi Prasad Yadav the chief minister."
Administrative Response and Security Arrangements
In response to the heightened tensions, district administrations have implemented special traffic plans to avoid congestion and ensure safe passage for polling materials and security forces. The Muzaffarpur administration specifically addressed concerns about vehicle movement near counting centers.
JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar delivered a sharp rebuke to Singh's comments, asserting that "the NDA has established a rule of law in Bihar, and if anyone tries to take the law into their hands, the law will take its own course." He also confirmed that the Election Commission was "closely monitoring all developments" across the state.
The coordinated security response demonstrates the administration's commitment to maintaining peace during the critical vote counting process, while the political exchanges highlight the high stakes involved in the election outcomes.
