Zero tolerance for violence, says CEC ahead of Bihar poll

Any act of violence will not be tolerated and voters will be able to cast their votes peacefully and freely in Bihar, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar asserted on Sunday, a day after the poll body took action against officials in Patna, following violence during campaigning in Mokama.

“The Election Commission has zero tolerance towards any form of violence during polls,” the CEC told reporters here.

The Election Commission on Saturday ordered the transfer of Patna SP (Rural) and action against three other officials.

The CEC asserted that everyone is equal before the EC, whether it is the ruling side or the opposition. All voters in Bihar will get the opportunity to celebrate the festival of democracy and expressed confidence that it will be a model election.

“Our 243 returning officers, an equal number of observers, district collectors, superintendents of police, police observers, and expenditure observers are all ready— not only for transparency, capability, simplicity, and the festive spirit of democracy — but also as a model for the entire world,” he said.

The 243-member Assembly will go to polls on November 6 and 11.