Bihar Gears Up for Assembly Polls: EC Visit Sparks Political Buzz

The Chief Election Commissioner and election commissioners will be in Bihar to review preparations for upcoming state assembly elections. The polls are expected later this month and November, as the current assembly term ends on November 22. The EC aims to ensure a comprehensive electoral roll, despite opposition criticism.

The Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Vivek Joshi and S S Sandhu, is set to visit Patna for a two-day review of the poll preparedness in Bihar, according to officials.

The tenure of the 243-member Bihar Assembly draws to a close on November 22, prompting elections that are likely to transpire in multiple phases starting later this month. Prior to releasing the election schedule, the poll authority routinely undertakes visits to states.

During their stay on October 4 and 5, the EC team will consult with representatives from political parties, high-ranking police officials, and state poll administrators to assess election preparedness. Concurrently, a briefing session is in progress for general, police, and expenditure observers appointed by the EC for the Bihar polls. Following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters' list after a hiatus of two decades, a finalized electoral roll unveiled on September 30 lists approximately 7.42 crore voters, with the process facing backlash from opposition over potential disenfranchisement, a claim the EC firmly contests.

(With inputs from agencies.)