Eye on assembly polls, EC cracks Bihar whip

In an rather unusual move, the EC has also directed the State Government to prepare a district-wise list of those against whom FIRs have been registered for various electoral offences, habitual offenders and anti-socials so that preventive action can be taken.

‘‘Fair and free elections, where people come out and vote according to their own will, is possible only if criminal elements who roam freely are kept behind bars,’’ said EC officials.

The Commission also asked the State Government to send weekly reports on progress made in cases booked under the Representation of the Peoples Act and other relevant Acts for various electoral offences.

The EC has decided to send four teams next week to various districts of the State to review poll arrangements. The teams, which would work under EC Advisor K J Rao, will review the systems in place to address complaints regarding electoral rolls and issue of photo identity cards.