As Bihar prepares for its high-stakes Assembly elections, scheduled for November 6 and 11, the Election Commission of India (EC) has significantly stepped up security measures to ensure peaceful, free, and fair polling. The Commission has launched an extensive crackdown on illegal activities such as the smuggling of drugs, arms, cash, and inducements, while reinforcing its vigilance along state borders and the international frontier with Nepal. Votes will be counted on November 14, marking the culmination of a closely watched electoral contest.

In an official statement released on Thursday, the EC confirmed that a high-level coordination meeting was held to assess law-and-order arrangements and border security across Bihar and its neighbouring states. The meeting was attended by the chief secretaries and directors general of police (DGPs) from Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, as well as senior representatives from the Union Home Ministry, enforcement agencies, and the Indian Railways.

According to the statement, the Commission’s top brass, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing operations designed to curb the movement of money, liquor, narcotics, and arms — all of which have historically been used to influence voters and disturb the electoral process in Bihar.

Crackdown on Cross-Border Smuggling and Inducements

With Bihar sharing borders with several Indian states and Nepal, the EC has placed special emphasis on securing these routes, which have long been vulnerable to smuggling and illicit trade during elections. The Commission directed the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) — the paramilitary force guarding the India-Nepal border — to intensify surveillance and coordinate closely with state police forces to prevent any illegal movement across the frontier.

The chief secretaries and police chiefs of Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal were also instructed to maintain heightened vigilance along interstate borders. The EC ordered the establishment of joint control rooms and integrated check-posts to monitor vehicle movement, track suspicious financial transactions, and intercept consignments of drugs, liquor, or freebies being transported for electoral inducement.

Sources within the Commission confirmed that all entry points into Bihar are under round-the-clock monitoring through a network of flying squads, video surveillance teams, and static check posts. The increased scrutiny is part of the EC’s broader effort to ensure that the elections remain free from the influence of black money and other unlawful incentives.

Central Agencies on High Alert

Central enforcement agencies have also been brought into the fold of this operation. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), and Income Tax Department have been asked to intensify intelligence-gathering and conduct coordinated raids based on actionable information.

These agencies are expected to focus particularly on tracking unaccounted cash movements, monitoring high-value transactions, and intercepting narcotics or alcohol shipments aimed at influencing voters. The EC emphasized that every agency must work in tandem to plug all possible loopholes, share intelligence in real time, and take swift punitive action wherever violations are detected.

The Commission has also set up a centralized monitoring cell to collate daily reports from field officers, ensuring rapid response to any suspicious activity. In past elections, such measures have led to substantial seizures — from liquor and cash to drugs and precious metals — often amounting to hundreds of crores of rupees. The EC appears determined to replicate and surpass those results this year, setting a zero-tolerance tone for malpractice.

Focus on Peaceful and Voter-Friendly Elections

Beyond law enforcement, the Election Commission reviewed arrangements for voter facilitation to guarantee a smooth and safe experience for citizens on polling days. The Commission reiterated that polling stations must be accessible, adequately staffed, and equipped with essential amenities, including drinking water, rest areas, and medical support.

Officials were reminded that voter satisfaction and participation are crucial metrics of election quality. In this context, the EC’s directive went beyond security, stressing that every eligible voter should be able to cast their ballot without fear, obstruction, or undue influence.

The Commission also discussed contingency plans for any potential disruptions, including natural calamities, communication breakdowns, or local disturbances. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar has been tasked with ensuring real-time coordination between polling personnel, district administrations, and law enforcement units during both phases of voting.

Curtailing the Role of “Anti-Social Elements”

A key point of discussion in the EC’s meeting was the movement of “anti-social elements” — a term that encompasses individuals or groups attempting to instigate violence, manipulate voters, or intimidate polling officials. The Commission has instructed the Bihar Police and its counterparts in neighbouring states to identify and monitor such individuals, especially those with criminal backgrounds or known political affiliations that could threaten public order.

Officials were told to keep a close watch on movement patterns, especially in border districts like West Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, and Araria, which share open borders with Nepal. These areas have historically seen the influx of smuggled goods and cash during elections. In response, the EC has ordered the sealing of border check-posts and increased patrolling by SSB and state police personnel.

Heightened Surveillance and Technology Deployment

To enhance transparency and accountability, the Commission has deployed advanced surveillance technology, including drones and GPS-tracked vehicles, in sensitive zones. Real-time data will be transmitted to control rooms for prompt intervention in case of suspicious movements or gatherings.

The Commission’s “C-Vigil” app, which allows citizens to report election code violations directly to authorities, will also play a central role. Voters can use the app to submit photo or video evidence of illicit activities, ensuring that the EC’s enforcement apparatus extends beyond official personnel to include public participation.

Ensuring an Inducement-Free Election

The EC’s message to political parties and candidates was clear: any attempt to lure voters through cash, liquor, or freebies will be met with strict action. All parties have been reminded of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which prohibits such practices. Violations could result in disqualification of candidates, cancellation of nominations, or criminal prosecution.

The EC’s latest directives reflect its awareness of Bihar’s unique electoral challenges. The state has long grappled with issues of money power, liquor distribution, and vote-buying — concerns that often overshadow genuine campaign debates. By reinforcing its vigilance mechanisms and coordinating efforts across multiple jurisdictions, the Commission aims to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

Conclusion

With just days remaining before polling begins, Bihar has effectively entered a state of heightened alert. Security forces, central agencies, and administrative officials are working in concert to prevent any disruption to the democratic process. From sealing borders to monitoring transactions, the Election Commission’s comprehensive strategy signals its determination to deliver an election that is peaceful, transparent, and credible.

As voters prepare to head to the polls on November 6 and 11, all eyes will be on how effectively these measures translate into action on the ground. The ultimate test of the Commission’s preparations will come not only in maintaining law and order but also in ensuring that every vote cast reflects the free will of the people — untainted by fear, money, or manipulation.