Will Bihar Elections be Peaceful? CEC Gyanesh Kumar's Commitment to Zero Tolerance on Violence
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Zero tolerance towards violence is emphasized by the ECI.
- The first phase of Bihar elections is on November 6.
- The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is the world's largest effort.
- Heavy police presence is ensured to maintain law and order.
- Voter participation is crucial for a healthy democracy.
Kanpur, Nov 2 (NationPress) Following the arrest of a JD-U candidate linked to the murder of a rival party supporter, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday pledged a peaceful and transparent Assembly election in Bihar, emphasizing a stance of zero tolerance towards violence.
During a media interaction at an event, the CEC stated: "The ECI stands firm against violence. The elections in Bihar will be held in a peaceful, lawful manner with utmost transparency, ensuring that every voter can freely express their will and join in this democratic celebration..."
"I trust that all eligible voters in Bihar will seize the opportunity to cast their votes," remarked CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
The initial phase of the Bihar elections is set for November 6, followed by the second phase on November 11, with vote counting scheduled for November 14.
Earlier, while speaking at an event hosted by the Mathur Vaishya Samaj in Kanpur, he referred to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls as the largest endeavor in the world aimed at cleansing the voters' list.
"The day when the electoral rolls, featuring names of 51 crore voters across 12 states, are purified will be a historic moment, unprecedented in history," he added.
Once the SIR is successfully concluded nationwide, you will take pride in your ECI and CEC, he stated.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar made this assurance against electoral violence shortly after the state police, in a nighttime operation, apprehended JD-U's candidate from Mokama, Anant Singh, in connection with the homicide of Jan Suraaj worker Dularchand Yadav.
This arrest, confirmed by Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma, took place just days before the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, which has sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape.
Reports indicate that the violent incident unfolded on Thursday, October 30, near Khushhal Chak in Mokama. Piyush Priyadarshi, the Jan Suraaj Party candidate, was campaigning with his supporters, including Dularchand Yadav, a 75-year-old local strongman and former RJD leader.
At the same time, Anant Singh and his supporters were reportedly moving through the same area. A dispute between the two groups escalated into a violent clash involving stone-throwing and physical confrontations. In the ensuing chaos, Dularchand Yadav suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
In the wake of his death, the area has been tense, leading to significant police presence to prevent further incidents.