Patna MLC Counting: DM Defends Arrangements Amid CCTV Dispute

The counting of votes for the eight Bihar Legislative Council seats started on Tuesday, but the process at two Patna constituencies has run into a dispute over the absence of CCTV cameras at counting centres. The district administration has moved to defend its arrangements.

The row was triggered by complaints from candidates who said the counting halls did not have CCTV coverage. Those complaints have been taken up with the Election Commission and local officials.

RJD candidate Sanjeev Kumar, contesting from the Patna teacher constituency, raised the issue at the counting centre located at Bankipur Girls High School. In a video, he described the absence of CCTV cameras as unfortunate and said he had learnt that the counting hall had none.

Kumar questioned why such safeguards were missing when CCTV and video recording are normally part of the arrangements for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He said he had discussed the matter with the commissioner and the chief electoral officer.

He said officials told him that installing CCTV cameras in the counting hall was not part of the required provisions. While recording was available in the premises, corridors and other areas, he said the lack of coverage in the hall was difficult to understand.

Kumar demanded immediate attention from the Election Commission and the media, and urged that cameras be installed in the hall. He also accused the concerned officials of acting with malice and expressed confidence about his victory.

In the Patna graduate constituency, Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh questioned the absence of CCTV cameras at the counting centre and objected to the cleanliness arrangements there.

Defending the process, Patna District Magistrate and District Election Officer Kundan Kumar said the counting was being conducted in line with the Election Commission of India's guidelines and standard operating procedures. He said all candidates had been briefed on the necessary information and directions.

According to Kumar, the arrangements were in order and cleanliness levels were also good. He said that any specific complaint about hygiene would be addressed through appropriate action.