Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday reiterated that the Election Commission of India (ECI) maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards violence as Bihar prepares for the first phase of its assembly elections on November 6.
CEC Urges Voters to Participate Peacefully
Speaking to reporters in Kanpur, Kumar appealed to the people of Bihar to come out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote, assuring that the Commission has taken every measure to ensure peaceful polling.
“The Election Commission has zero tolerance toward violence. No incident of violence will be tolerated. All election officials, district magistrates, and police observers are fully prepared to ensure peaceful voting,” he said.
The Chief Election Commissioner made these remarks during his visit to IIT Kanpur, where he was honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA).
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Context: JD(U) Candidate Anant Singh Arrested
Kumar’s statement came shortly after Janata Dal (United) candidate from Mokama, Anant Singh, was arrested in a late-night operation in connection with the murder of Dularchand Yadav, a campaigner for Jan Suraaj candidate Piyush Priyadarshi.
Following the incident, the Election Commission transferred several key officials posted in the Mokama constituency and sought a detailed report from Bihar’s Director General of Police.
EC Maintains Neutrality Between All Parties
Reaffirming the poll body’s impartial stance, Kumar said,
“For the Election Commission, there is no ruling or opposition side — everyone is equal under the law.”
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He further expressed confidence that the Bihar elections would set a benchmark in terms of transparency, efficiency, and fairness.
Polling and Counting Schedule
Bihar will vote in two phases — November 6 and November 11 — with counting of votes scheduled for November 14.
