With the announcement of dates for the by-poll for 21 vacant posts across Bihar by the State Election Commission uncertainty on the state Assembly election have ended. The State Election Commission on August 8 issued notification on by-election for the posts of Vice Chairman of Zila Parishad, Pramukh, Up-Pramukh, Sarpanch, and Up-Mukhiya spread across 12 districts of Bihar.
According to the State Election Commission social distancing norms would be strictly followed, especially on polling booths. The election would be held on August 26 and 27 in Saran, Lakhisarai, Rohtas, Bhagalpur, Buxar, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, West Champaran, Madhepura, Darbhanga, Vaishali, and Kaimur districts.
The SEC has also issued directives to the home and health departments to make proper security arrangements and ensure that the lockdown norms are followed strictly. The elections were postponed due to flood. The Election Commission of India has already started the process of the first phase of checking electronic voting machines and voter-verified paper audit trails for the forth-coming Assembly polls.
With the announcement of by-poll for the local bodies now it is clear that the ruling National Democratic Alliance is keen to get the Bihar Assembly election held on time. Chief minister Nitish Kumar has recently hinted that Assembly polls would be held as per schedule. Both the BJP and Janata Dal United have repeatedly said that they are in favour of election on time, but the third constituent of the NDA, the Lok Janshakti Party, had joined chorus with the opposition Grand Alliance parties in demanding the postponement of Assembly poll scheduled in Oct-Nov due to Corona Virus.
The BJP and Janata Dal United have repeatedly been ridiculing the Grand Alliance’s demand by stating that the latter is running away from the election as it fears defeat. On the other hand the Grand Alliance parties and the LJP have been accusing the state government of neglecting the people when the state is facing double challenge from Corona Virus and floods.
–Special Correspondent TheNewsWeb
