The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the Bihar administration to ensure strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) ahead of the state’s forthcoming Assembly polls. The move underscores the poll panel’s emphasis on a level playing field and the impartiality of the electoral process.
The Commission has instructed the Chief Secretary and Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar to oversee the removal of defacement from government, public, and private property, prevent misuse of official vehicles or government accommodation, and uphold the ban on advertisements funded by public resources.
To monitor compliance, 824 flying squads have been deployed across Bihar to address complaints within 100 minutes, the poll body said. “The privacy of citizens must be respected, with no demonstrations or picketing outside private residences. Land, buildings, or walls shall not be used for flags, banners, or posters without the owner's consent,” the ECI stated.
A complaint monitoring system has been activated, including a 24/7 call centre (number 1950) and the C-Vigil App on ECINET, enabling citizens and political parties to report MCC violations. The Commission emphasised that political parties must inform police authorities of meetings and processions in advance for security and traffic arrangements and must comply with prohibitory orders and permissions for loudspeakers.
Also read: Bihar Assembly Elections final voter list released by ECI after SIR
Ministers have been warned against combining official duties with electioneering or using government machinery, transport, or personnel for campaigning. Additionally, the ECI has banned transfers of officers connected with the conduct of elections, reinforcing the impartiality of administrative actions.
“Officials at all levels have been directed to act impartially in enforcing MCC, ensuring equal treatment of all parties and preventing misuse of official facilities. They must regulate meetings, processions and polling arrangements fairly, safeguard law and order and maintain the credibility of the electoral process,” the Commission said.
Public places such as maidans and helipads must be made equally available to all political parties on a first-come, first-served basis via the SUVIDHA module on ECINET. This provision ensures transparency and prevents any party from monopolising venues for electoral campaigning.
The poll panel’s directions are part of a broader effort to maintain the integrity and fairness of Bihar’s Assembly elections, scheduled to be held in November.
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