PATNA: As the state awaited the counting of votes on Friday, authorities across the state moved promptly to prevent any disturbance, ordering the closure of all schools and tightening security measures. The step came after RJD MLC Sunil Kumar Singh, a close aide of party chief Lalu Prasad, on Thursday warned of “Nepal-like protests” if irregularities occurred during counting. The remarks heightened tension across districts even as district magistrates, acting as electoral officers, enforced precautionary restrictions citing potential law and order concerns.In Patna, district education officer Saket Ranjan directed the closure of all govt, non-govt and private schools on Friday to maintain order. “The decision was taken with the consent of the Patna DM, and all schools have been informed in this regard,” the DEO said.” The order extended to all educational institutions including coaching centres, with similar instructions issued in Muzaffarpur, Nawada, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar and other districts.In Muzaffarpur, district magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen said counting would be held at Ahiyapur, where heavy vehicle movement was expected near the counting centre. “During vote counting, there is a possibility of difficulty in the operation of school buses and coaching institute vehicles. The decision has been taken from the perspective of student safety and maintaining smooth traffic arrangements,” he said. The district administration also introduced a special traffic plan to avoid congestion and ensure safe passage for polling materials and security forces.The RJD MLC triggered a political storm with his fiery warning to election officials. “I warn the officials that if they indulge in counting fraud, then Bihar streets will have scenes of protests as witnessed in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, and the overall situation will be out of the govt’s control,” he told reporters. Urging officers to act responsibly, he added, “People are very much alert this time and will respond suitably.”Recalling the 2020 assembly polls, Singh alleged that the counting process was deliberately halted for hours, leading to narrow defeats for RJD candidates. “Either the candidate or the returning officer will come out of counting centres, and you will get to see the scenes that happened in Nepal,” he said. The legislator claimed that the RJD had already secured a majority. “The people have voted for change. This voting was not to save Nitish Kumar but to make Tejashwi Prasad Yadav the chief minister,” he said.The remarks drew a sharp rebuke from JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar. “The NDA has established a rule of law in Bihar, and if anyone tries to take the law into their hands, the law will take its own course.” He added that the Election Commission was “closely monitoring all developments,” Kumar said.