Security tightened as Banki Pur by‑polls commence amid BJP's call for voter ID scrutiny

Patna, July 30 – As voting begins for the Banki Pur Assembly by‑poll, the Bharatiya Janata Party has reiterated its concerns about potential fake voting. In a letter addressed to the Returning Officer and the DCLR of constituency 182, the BJP demanded that election staff conduct a strict verification of every voter's identity using the Elector Photo Identity Card.

The party warned that a minority of Jan Swaraj Party affiliates might try to influence the result through illegitimate ballots, an act that the BJP says runs counter to democratic values. It asked that electoral officials enforce the existing identity‑checking provisions without exception, and that the name and photograph on the EPIC be cross‑checked against the official voter list before any ballot is issued.

The BJP also requested that clear, written directives be issued to all presiding officers and polling workers. A copy of the letter has been sent to the District Election Officer and the Additional District Magistrate of Patna, with a request for rapid corrective action.

To ensure a peaceful and transparent process, the Election Commission has deployed central security forces at each polling booth and instituted additional oversight measures. Authorities have appealed to citizens to vote without fear, emphasizing the safety and integrity of the electoral process.