Bihar Assembly Polls 2025: 94% C-Vigil Complaints Resolved Within 100 Minutes, Over ₹71 Crore Seized

Patna, Oct 21: With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in effect for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and bypolls to eight constituencies, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified its enforcement efforts to ensure fair and transparent polls. A total of 824 flying squads have been deployed across the state to take swift action against any violations of the MCC.

The Commission has been actively leveraging technology to empower citizens and political parties to report violations through the C-Vigil App, now integrated into the ECINET platform. As of October 21, a total of 650 complaints have been received through the app in Bihar and other poll-bound States and Union Territories. Of these, 649 have already been resolved, with 94 per cent — amounting to 612 complaints — addressed within the stipulated 100-minute response time set by the Commission.

The swift resolution of C-Vigil complaints highlights the Election Commission’s commitment to maintaining transparency, accountability, and prompt redressal during the electoral process. The app enables citizens to capture and upload photos or videos of violations such as distribution of money, liquor, or gifts, misuse of government machinery, or display of unauthorised campaign materials. Once submitted, the complaints are geo-tagged and automatically routed to field-level enforcement teams for verification and action.

To further strengthen the grievance redressal mechanism, the Commission has operationalised a 24×7 complaint monitoring system. A dedicated helpline — 1950 — has been set up to receive public grievances and election-related queries. All complaints are automatically forwarded to the respective District Election Officers (DEOs) or Returning Officers (ROs) to ensure immediate response and resolution.

In addition to strict monitoring of MCC violations, the poll body reported major seizures made through coordinated operations by multiple enforcement agencies across Bihar and other election-bound regions. As of October 21, authorities have confiscated unaccounted cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and other inducements worth over ₹71.32 crore. The ECI said these seizures underscore its zero-tolerance approach toward any attempts to influence voters through illegal means.

The Commission has directed State and Union Territory administrations to maintain strict vigilance and ensure comprehensive compliance with all MCC provisions throughout the election period. Instructions have also been issued for regular reviews of enforcement activities to prevent misuse of official positions and government resources by political candidates or parties.

The Election Commission has reiterated that free, fair, and inducement-free elections remain its top priority. It continues to coordinate with income tax, excise, police, and other enforcement departments to curb electoral malpractices. The ECI also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and actively participate in reporting violations through the C-Vigil App and helpline, ensuring that every vote counts in a transparent democratic process.

With advanced digital monitoring tools, robust enforcement, and active public participation, the Election Commission aims to set a new benchmark for clean and credible elections in Bihar and other poll-bound States in 2025.