The Election Commission of India (ECI) delegation, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, arrived in Patna today to review poll preparedness for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly polls.
The visit aims to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process in the state. During their two-day schedule, starting October 4, the team will meet with representatives of political parties, top police and administrative officials, as well as state poll officials, to assess election readiness.
The term of the 243-member Bihar Assembly ends on November 22, and polls are likely to be held in multiple phases, beginning at the end of October and continuing into November.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters’ list in Bihar has concluded, with the final electoral roll published on September 30, featuring nearly 7.42 crore electors. However, opposition parties have criticized the SIR, claiming it may disenfranchise crores of genuine citizens.
A total of 425 general, police, and expenditure observers have been deployed for the Bihar Assembly polls and seven assembly bypolls. These observers will ensure strict compliance with election laws and guidelines, providing direct field inputs and remaining accessible to political parties, candidates, and voters.
The Election Commission has assured that it will not allow any eligible citizen to be left out of the voters’ list, while ensuring that no ineligible person is included.