Four IAF helicopters and 600 companies of paramilitary forces are gearing up in Bihar to ensure that the Election Commission can keep its word on holding free, fair and peaceful elections in the state. But the ‘star’ of the second phase of polling—in 62 constituencies spread across 11 districts—will be former Bihar CM Rabri Devi who will seek the people’s mandate in Raghopur of Vaishali district. Adding to the political drama on poll eve, a police complaint was filed against Rabri’s husband, Union Railway Minister and RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav, for allegedly threatening officers at an election rally on Saturday. Laloo was reported to have said that he will teach a lesson to officers who were ‘‘acting smart’’. He made the remark while referring to the public beating of a RJD candidate in Jamui by police. A case of violation of model code of conduct was lodged against senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav for campaigning in Raghopur yesterday beyond the deadline. Maintaining its tough stand, the state administration—on the directive of the EC—has debarred many influential politicians from entering or remaining in their areas on polling day. The list includes politicians with criminal antecedents like LJP MP Surajbhan, JD(U) candidate from Mokama Anant Singh and Union Rural Development Minister of the RJD Raghuvansh Prasad Singh.
