Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar asserted on Sunday that the Election Commission maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward political violence as Bihar prepares for upcoming assembly elections, following the recent murder of politician Dularchand Yadav during a campaign rally.
Kumar’s statement came after Yadav was killed during a rally for Jan Suraaj candidate Piyush Priyadarshini in Mokama constituency on October 30, highlighting security concerns as the state approaches polling dates.
EC’s Commitment to Peaceful Elections
“The Election Commission has zero tolerance towards any form of violence during polls. The elections in Bihar will be conducted in a completely peaceful, law-abiding, and transparent manner,” Kumar stated during a visit to his alma mater, IIT Kanpur, as reported by news agency ANI.
The CEC urged voters to participate without fear in the democratic process. “All voters will get the opportunity to celebrate the festival of democracy. The polling will be held under the framework of law and order. I hope every voter will exercise their franchise,” Kumar told PTI.
He emphasized the Commission’s preparedness to operate election machinery successfully, ensuring every voter can exercise their democratic rights.
Arrests Following Political Violence
Following Yadav’s murder, Patna police arrested Janata Dal (United) leader and former Mokama MLA Anant Singh. Two others, Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram, were also taken into custody for their alleged presence during the incident.
Electoral Timeline and Key Contests
Voting for Bihar’s 243-seat assembly will occur on November 6 and November 11, with results declared on November 14.
Mokama constituency, where the murder occurred, is expected to witness a high-stakes battle between JD(U)’s Anant Singh and Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Veena Devi, wife of influential leader Surbhajan Singh. The constituency will vote in the first phase on November 6. Piyush Priyadarshini will contest on a Jan Suraaj ticket.
The incident has raised concerns about campaign security and the potential for violence to disrupt Bihar’s electoral process. The Election Commission’s strong statement appears designed to reassure voters and political parties that authorities will maintain law and order throughout the polling period.
Kumar’s emphasis on peaceful, transparent elections reflects heightened awareness of security challenges in constituencies with histories of political rivalry and violence. The Commission’s response to the Mokama incident will likely set the tone for enforcement of electoral conduct standards across Bihar’s remaining campaign period.
