Any Act of Violence Will Not Be Tolerated During Ensuing Bihar Polls: CEC
On November 2, 2025, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar addressed concerns regarding the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, emphasizing that any act of violence will not be tolerated. His remarks were made during the 66th Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.
Commitment to Peaceful Elections
Kumar assured the public that voters would be able to exercise their right to vote in a peaceful and free environment. He stated, “The Election Commission has zero tolerance towards any form of violence during polls and is fully prepared for this.” This statement comes in light of recent violent incidents in the state, particularly the death of gangster-turned-politician Dular Chand Yadav during campaigning in Mokama.
Recent Actions by the Election Commission
In response to the violence in Mokama, the Election Commission took swift action by transferring Patna’s Superintendent of Police (Rural) and taking disciplinary measures against three other officials. This move underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a secure electoral process.
Bihar’s Model Election
Kumar highlighted that the upcoming elections in Bihar are expected to serve as a model for other states, showcasing key attributes such as transparency, capability, simplicity, and the festive spirit of democracy. He expressed optimism about the successful conduct of the elections, stating, “Bihar’s upcoming polls will serve as a model election.”
Voter List Purification Campaign
During his address, Kumar lauded Bihar for successfully conducting the world’s largest voter list purification campaign. He mentioned that once the 51-crore voter list across various states is updated, it would mark a historic achievement for the Election Commission.
Election Preparations
The CEC detailed the preparations underway for the elections, noting that 243 Returning Officers, an equal number of observers, district collectors, superintendents of police, police observers, and expenditure observers are ready to ensure smooth polling operations. The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled to take place in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with counting set for November 14.
Encouraging Voter Participation
In his appeal to the citizens of Bihar, Kumar encouraged voters to participate enthusiastically in the electoral process. He stated, “I appeal to all voters of Bihar to come together and celebrate this festival of democracy. Everyone must come forward to exercise their right to vote. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”
Recognition at IIT Kanpur
Before concluding his address, Kumar was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by IIT Kanpur. He took this opportunity to reflect fondly on his student days at the institute, reinforcing the connection between education and civic responsibility.
Conclusion
The upcoming Bihar Assembly elections represent a significant moment for the state, with the Election Commission committed to ensuring a fair and violence-free electoral process. The focus on transparency and voter participation is crucial in fostering a healthy democratic environment.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on statements made by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and reflects the current preparations for the Bihar Assembly elections.
