This is an archive article published on August 22, 2020
EC issues guidelines ahead of Bihar polls: Oppn parties say barriers may impact participation of voters
The Congress said the guidelines “fall far short” for the smooth conduct of elections in “free, non-partisan and fair fashion” without giving undue advantage to the ruling party.
As the Election Commission came out with guidelines for conduct of elections during the Covid-19 pandemic ahead of Bihar Assembly polls, the RJD —which leads the opposition alliance in the state — on Friday said the imposition of so many “barriers” may impact “wholesome participation of voters” in the “festival of democracy”.
It said the poll body should decide what is more important — saving people’s lives or attending to the need of the formation of Assembly.
The Congress said the guidelines “fall far short” for the smooth conduct of elections in “free, non-partisan and fair fashion” without giving undue advantage to the ruling party.
AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal said there are many “deficiencies” in the guidelines and that the EC has overlooked almost all suggestions given by the party.
The Congress, he said, had requested that EVMs be avoided, given the high chances of infection from shared use of one machine. “The ECI has completely failed to address this concern, instead opting to passively state that EVMs and VVPATs will be sanitised. As the last six months have established, this is not a fool-proof measure,” he said.
Besides, the guidelines don’t make any deep distinctions between the specific challenges of rural areas and urban areas which have seen the spread of Covid-19 in different ways, he said.
“The guidelines say that the relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the IPC will be invoked against anyone who violates the guidelines. However, the ECI has surprisingly missed the potential for abuse by the ruling party which controls the policing machinery,” he added.
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RJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha told The Indian Express, “What if you end up having 30 per cent voting? My worry is that. We all love to call it the festival of democracy. But would we enjoy a festival if there are so many barriers, so many don’ts? There are less dos and more don’ts in this (guidelines) and that will impact the wholesome participation of voters.”
Asked whether the RJD was still in favour of deferring elections, Jha said, “The RJD feels that the EC has a very, very difficult choice to make — saving people’s lives and attending to the need of the formation of Assembly. EC should decide what is more important.”
RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Twari said: “We are not satisfied with the EC’s clear hints of holding polls in time. Bihar election can turn out to be a super-spreader for Covid infection.”
Bihar Congress president Madan Mohan Jha said the party had earlier asked the EC to postpone the elections by two months. “But since the EC has come out with guidelines, it seems they are in a mood to hold elections. The question is what they have said in the guidelines… how it can and will be implemented on the ground in Bihar,” he said.
Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape.
Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis.
The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage.
Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting.
Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics.
National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections.
Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum.
Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital.
Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief.
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