Election Commission Enforces Zero Tolerance Policy After Murder Case Rocks Bihar Elections

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar emphasized the Election Commission of India's strict stance against electoral violence on Sunday. He provided reassurance to Bihar voters that numerous officials, including police personnel, returning officers, and zilla parishad administrators, are fully prepared to ensure free and fair elections that will establish a global standard.

"I urge everyone to participate in the electoral process and exercise their voting rights. Regarding violence, the Election Commission maintains zero tolerance and will not permit any violent incidents. We are committed to ensuring peaceful voting conditions for all electors. Our team of 243 returning officers, multiple observers, district collectors, zilla adhikaris, SPs, SSPs, and police observers are all prepared," CEC Kumar stated during a press briefing in Kanpur.

The CEC's statement follows the October 30 murder of politician Dularchand Yadav in Mokama constituency during Jan Suraaj candidate Piyush Priyadarshini's campaign rally. Subsequently, Janata Dal (United) candidate Anant Kumar Singh has been arrested in connection with the murder case.

Kumar was visiting IIT Kanpur, his alma mater, which recently honored him with the Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA), the institution's highest recognition for alumni demonstrating exceptional merit.

"I'm here at IIT Kanpur today as a former student following their decision to recognize me. I spent four of my most energetic years in Kanpur city and feel deeply connected to it. I'm fortunate to have this opportunity to visit IIT Kanpur again," he shared.

Amid recurring accusations of favoring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Kumar emphasized the Election Commission's fundamental principle of neutrality.

"During this election period in Bihar, each political party is campaigning for votes in their own manner. I want to reiterate that the Election Commission does not distinguish between ruling and opposition parties—we maintain neutrality toward all. The first phase of voting is scheduled for November 6, the second phase for November 11, with vote counting on November 14," he explained.

Encouraging all eligible Bihar voters to exercise their democratic right, Kumar expressed confidence that these elections will be conducted with transparency, competence, and efficiency, establishing standards not only for India but globally.

"We anticipate that the Bihar elections will be conducted transparently, competently, and efficiently, serving as an exemplary model both nationally and internationally," he added.

Following the murder incident, the Election Commission ordered immediate transfers of key administrative and police officials from the Mokama Assembly constituency on November 1 and initiated disciplinary proceedings against them.

According to an official statement, the Commission approved the transfer of Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Barh-cum-Returning Officer Chandan Kumar, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Barh-1 Rakesh Kumar, and SDPO Barh-2 Abhishek Singh, all associated with Mokama Assembly Constituency.

The election authority has also requested a comprehensive report from Bihar's Director General of Police regarding the murder investigation.

Mokama constituency, which votes in the first phase on November 6, is set for another high-stakes electoral battle in the 2025 polls, with Janata Dal (United) fielding strongman Anant Singh against Rashtriya Janata Dal's nominee Veena Devi, wife of former MP and influential leader Surajbhan Singh.