Patna. Counting of votes started on Tuesday after the elections for eight seats of Bihar Legislative Council. Meanwhile, controversy has arisen due to the issue of not having CCTV cameras during the counting of votes in Patna Graduate and Patna Teacher constituencies. Candidates of RJD and Jan Suraj have raised questions on the arrangements of counting centres. Meanwhile, Patna District Magistrate Kundan Kumar clarified that all the instructions of the Election Commission are being followed.
RJD candidate from Patna teachers constituency Sanjeev Kumar termed it as unfortunate that there are no CCTV cameras at the counting center located at Bankipur Girls High School. He released a video saying that he has received information that there are no CCTV cameras in the counting hall. He raised the question that when there is a system of CCTV cameras and video recording in the elections of MPs and MLAs, then why the same was not done here.
Sanjeev Kumar said that he has also talked to the Commissioner and the Chief Electoral Officer in this matter. According to him, officials said that there is no provision to install CCTV in the counting hall. He said that there are recording arrangements outside the campus, in corridors and other places, but the absence of cameras in the counting hall is beyond comprehension. The RJD candidate demanded the Election Commission and the media to immediately pay attention to this matter and install CCTV cameras in the counting hall.
He alleged that the concerned officials were working with malicious intent. He also claimed that his victory was certain. Here, Anuj Singh, candidate of Jan Suraj from Patna Graduate constituency, also raised questions regarding the absence of CCTV cameras at the counting centre. He also objected to the cleanliness system of the centre.
Meanwhile, Patna District Magistrate cum District Election Officer Kundan Kumar, defending the arrangements, said that the entire process of counting of votes is being conducted as per the guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOP) of the Election Commission of India. All the candidates have been informed about the necessary information and guidelines of the Commission. He said that the arrangements are good and the level of cleanliness is also better. However, if any specific complaint regarding cleanliness is received, action will be taken.