EC Deploys 8.5 Lakh Personnel for Bihar Assembly Elections

October 9, 2025

New Delhi: Three days after announcing the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections and bypolls in six states along with Jammu & Kashmir, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has stepped up preparations to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.

Massive Deployment of Election Staff

In its latest press note, the Commission said nearly 8.5 lakh officials will be on duty in Bihar.
This includes 4.53 lakh polling personnel, 2.5 lakh police officials, 28,370 counting staff, 17,875 micro observers, 9,625 sector officers, and 4,840 micro observers for counting. In addition, 90,712 Anganwadi Sevikas may also be deployed.

The election machinery also comprises 90,712 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and 243 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). Voters can reach them via phone or through the Book-a-call to BLO facility on the ECINet App.

Complaint and Query Mechanism

A dedicated helpline (+91-STD Code-1950) has been made available for registering complaints or queries at the DEO/RO level. All staff will be deemed to be on deputation to the Election Commission under Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The ECI has deployed one General Observer for each of the 243 constituencies to act as its “eyes and ears.” Additionally, 38 Police Observers and 67 Expenditure Observers have been appointed. These observers will remain stationed in their constituencies, holding regular meetings with political parties and candidates.

Special Facility for Vulnerable Voters

In a significant move, the Commission announced that voters above 85 years of age, persons with benchmark disabilities (PwDs), and service voters will be allowed to vote via postal ballots. This facility is being provided under Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.