Bihar MLC Election: Anuj Singh Alleges Counting Irregularities, Patna DM Rejects CCTV Camera Claims

Bihar MLC Election: Political tensions escalated in Patna during the counting of votes for the Legislative Council elections after Jan Suraaj Party candidate Anuj Singh raised serious allegations about arrangements at the counting centre. Singh claimed that CCTV cameras were not installed inside the counting hall, raising concerns about transparency and the possibility of irregularities. He also alleged that he was not being allowed to enter the counting centre and questioned the arrangements made for counting agents, claiming that there were no proper seating facilities despite the process potentially lasting around 18 hours. Singh said he had verbally raised the issue with the Returning Officer and the election observer and demanded clarification over the absence of CCTV cameras in the area where votes were being counted. His allegations have added to the political tension surrounding the Patna Graduate constituency election. Anuj Singh has received the support of former JD(U) leader Anant Singh, popularly known as Chhote Sarkar, who was expelled from the party following his rebellion against party candidate Neeraj Kumar and his backing of Anuj Singh. Meanwhile, the Patna District Magistrate rejected the allegations regarding the lack of monitoring arrangements and said that the counting process was being conducted according to Election Commission guidelines. The district administration clarified that CCTV cameras are not installed inside the counting area for this election, but videography is being carried out as an alternative monitoring measure. Officials also stated that candidates had been briefed about the applicable guidelines and arrangements. The allegations and the administration's response have brought the transparency and monitoring of the counting process into focus as the results are awaited.