Why is CEC Gyanesh Kumar Encouraging Bihar's Participation in Assembly Polls?
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Synopsis
In a recent press conference, CEC Gyanesh Kumar called upon the people of Bihar to treat the upcoming assembly elections as a festive occasion akin to Chhath. With key reforms and a commitment to transparency, the Election Commission is poised to ensure a fair electoral process. Will Bihar rise to the occasion?
Key Takeaways
- Voter ID cards issued within 15 days
- 90,000 polling booths established
- Real-time webcasting for transparency
- Maximum voters per booth capped at 1,200
- BLOs to receive enhanced allowances
Patna, Oct 5 (NationPress) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, on Sunday, unveiled significant news regarding the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections during a press conference held in Patna, following two consecutive days of meetings with top state officials.
Beginning his speech in Bhojpuri and Maithili, the CEC urged the electorate to regard elections as a grand celebration.
"Much like we cherish Chhath with devotion and fervor, we should honor this pivotal celebration of democracy. Make sure to engage, uphold your duty, and cast your vote," Kumar stated.
He emphasized the accomplishments of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, noting that for the first time in India, booth-level officers (BLOs) collaborated directly with voters to refine the rolls.
"As Vaishali was instrumental in providing the nation with a republic, Bihar's BLOs have now set a benchmark in SIR," he commented, adding that other states will take note from Bihar's leadership.
CEC Kumar disclosed that voters will now obtain their voter ID cards within 15 days of application, putting an end to prolonged delays.
"Any discrepancy between the EVM and VVPAT during counting will necessitate a complete recount of all VVPATs in that constituency. The tallying of postal ballots must conclude before the last two rounds of EVM counting, and the maximum number of voters per booth will be limited to 1,200," he stated.
He mentioned that Bihar will feature a total of 90,000 polling booths, with all booths equipped with real-time webcasting to guarantee transparency.
He also indicated that candidates must appoint polling agents at booths, who will authenticate mock poll votes and review Form 17C totals prior to polling.
CEC Kumar commended the contributions of BLOs in the SIR initiative.
He noted that they will now receive increased allowances and identity cards.
The CEC also announced that training for police officers was conducted in Delhi this time, rather than Bihar, as part of enhancing security readiness.
With these initiatives, the Election Commission has expressed its commitment to conducting a fair, transparent, and efficient election in Bihar, which is poised for a high-stakes political battle later this year.
While the topic of infiltrators and foreign nationals has been highlighted by top leaders in the country, CEC Kumar refrained from providing a definitive response regarding their exact numbers after the final voter list is published.
Point of View
I believe the proactive approach by the Election Commission, particularly in Bihar, signals a pivotal moment for democracy. With enhanced voter engagement and transparency measures in place, this election could redefine electoral participation and accountability in the region.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the voter ID issuance process change?
Voters can now expect to receive their voter ID cards within 15 days of application, significantly reducing previous delays.
What measures are in place for election transparency?
All polling booths in Bihar will have real-time webcasting to ensure transparency during the electoral process.
What is the maximum number of voters allowed per booth?
The maximum number of voters per booth will be capped at 1,200.
What roles do booth-level officers play?
Booth-level officers will work directly with voters to refine the electoral rolls, enhancing the overall voter list integrity.
How has security preparedness changed for this election?
Training for police officers was conducted in Delhi this time, enhancing the overall security measures for the elections.
