Bihar MLC Election: RJD Candidate Dilip Patel Alleges Counting Irregularities, Raises CCTV Questions

Political tensions intensified during the Bihar MLC election counting as RJD candidate Dilip Patel alleged large-scale irregularities at the Patna Graduate Constituency counting centre and questioned the absence of CCTV cameras inside counting rooms. Patel challenged the local administration’s explanation that counting rooms do not have CCTV cameras and that videography is conducted instead. He said he accepted the administration’s stated rules but questioned why CCTV cameras were used during other elections, including Panchayat, Assembly and Lok Sabha polls, as well as certain court-related elections. Patel also questioned whether the ruling side feared the outcome or whether attempts were being made to manipulate the counting process. Despite his allegations, he said he was prepared to contest the election and expressed confidence in his chances of winning. Patna District Magistrate Kundan Kumar, who is also the Assistant Returning Officer, maintained that the prescribed rules were being followed and that videography was being carried out in place of CCTV cameras inside the counting rooms. The controversy has drawn attention to the two high-profile constituencies in Patna: the Graduate and Teachers’ seats. The RJD has fielded Sanjeev Singh from the Patna Teachers’ Constituency, where BJP candidate Nawal Kishore Yadav is seeking to retain his seat after winning five consecutive terms. In the Graduate Constituency, the contest features Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh, JD(U) candidate Neeraj Kumar and RJD candidate Dilip Patel. BJP MLC Jeevan Kumar also visited the counting centre and said opposition parties frequently raise allegations during elections. Vote counting is underway for eight MLC seats across Bihar amid heightened political scrutiny and competing claims from the parties.