Bihar Govt attempts to stem the rot

Unfair means to attract swift retribution

Amarnath Tewary | Patna

Call it image makeover or sincere efforts to improve the prevailing situation in Bihar, the State Government in a recent decision has announced that cases related to voter intimidation, booth capturing and rigging of election in the State would be taken up for speedy trial. The Government also made it clear that no one, irrespective of his/her political affiliation, would be spared.

After a high-level meeting of State’s top police officials, chaired by State Home Secretary Afzal Amanullah, it was also decided that the Maoist-affected districts would be provided with adequate security. Districts bordering Nepal would also be under strict security.

“We’ll not allow the democratic process in the State to be stalled,” said State Home Secretary Afzal Amanullah after the meeting. The State police chief DN Gautam was also present at the meeting.

Amanullah said that strict action would be taken against those found guilty of rigging elections. “Those intimidating voters or trying to stall the election process will be booked and speedy trials will be conducted in their cases so that they are not able to contest the election next time, whenever it is held,” said Amanullah.

“We’ll not hesitate from countermanding or recommending re-election in any constituency if such malpractices are reported,” said Amanullah. He also said that the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of all the districts in the State have been directed to take appropriate action against those found found guilty.

Meanwhile, in pre-poll operation since March 4, nearly 1.80 lakh people have been booked under sections 107 and 116 CrPC. Over 276 illegal arms and 1,595 cartridges were seized and around 33 mini gun factories were unearthed. Over 38,000 non bailable warrants have also been issued in the State.

I have always said that Nitish Kumar, C M of Bihar, gets results without much fan fare.
He maintains a very low profile and is not used to blowing his own trumpet, very unlike the pompous Lalu.
Nitish lets the results speak for themselves.
Being in power, any other chief minister, like lalu, would have loved to and found it very easy to rig the elections.
However, Nitish himself has taken the initiative to hold fair elections.
What a difference from the CPM in Bengal.
They go about capturing booths and use their cadres to stamp the symbols of their candidates on the ballot papers.
They have a name for it, SCIENTIFIC RIGGING.
If any central forces were required for elections, it is in Bengal.
However, this time, the people are so fed up of them that inspite of their "scientific rigging",they will lose because of the common mass is completely disgusted with them.

Radheshyam