The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the General Election to the Bihar Legislative Assembly and bye-elections in eight Assembly Constituencies on October 6, 2025. In a bid to ensure free and fair elections, the Commission has issued strict directions to multiple enforcement agencies to curb the use of money, freebies, drugs, narcotics, and liquor during the polls.

The directives have been sent to all relevant authorities, including the State Police Department, State Excise Department, Income Tax Department, FIU-IND, RBI, SLBC, DRI, CGST, SGST, Customs, ED, NCB, RPF, CISF, SSB, BCAS, AAI, Department of Post, State Forest Department, and State Co-operative Department.

Expenditure Observers have already been deployed to monitor election expenses incurred by candidates. They reached their respective constituencies on the day the election was announced and are coordinating with all teams engaged in expenditure monitoring.

To enhance vigilance, Flying Squads, Surveillance Teams, and Video Surveillance Teams will operate round-the-clock to detect and prevent the misuse of money or other inducements to influence voters. Additionally, the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) has been activated to report real-time interceptions and seizures made by enforcement agencies during the election period.

Since the announcement of elections on October 6, 2025, enforcement agencies have seized a total of Rs. 33.97 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, and other freebies.

The Commission emphasized that while strict enforcement is necessary, ordinary citizens should not face harassment or inconvenience during inspections and checks. Members of the public can also report any violations through the C-Vigil App.

The Election Commission’s proactive steps reflect its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections in Bihar amid concerns over the misuse of money and other inducements.