Bihar Election Prep: CEC Gyanesh Kumar Meets with Political Parties, Discusses Strategy and Timelines

In Patna, CEC Gyanesh Kumar, alongside Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, led a detailed assessment of the preparations for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections. The Election Commission’s two-day visit was dedicated to ensuring all elements of the election were meticulously planned. The Commission engaged with representatives from prominent political parties, including the Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal, and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), to gather their insights. CEC Kumar recognized the significance of political parties in a robust democracy and encouraged their active involvement at every stage of the elections. The Commission also stressed the importance of creating a celebratory environment during the elections. The parties acknowledged the success of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and reiterated their confidence in the election process. Political parties proposed that the elections be scheduled shortly after the Chhath festival and completed in as few stages as possible. The Commission also noted its recent efforts, such as restricting the number of voters per polling station to a maximum of 1,200. The Commission conducted an in-depth review with officials on a range of topics, including logistics, training, and voter outreach. The Election Commission instructed officials to address any complaints from political parties promptly and to monitor social media for false information, taking necessary legal action. The dates for the Bihar Assembly elections have not yet been released. The upcoming election is likely to be a contest between the ruling NDA, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the Mahagathbandhan, led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The NDA holds 131 seats in the assembly, while the Mahagathbandhan holds 111.