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Journalism of Courage
When the biggest news from Bihar at the end of an election day is the invalidation of C.P. Thakur’s vote, it is clear that something unprecedented in the recent history of Bihar has taken place.
It is not that the day did not witness violence — a policeman was killed in Nawada by MCC Naxals and another is still missing — but as several observers stated, even panchayat polls see far greater levels of violence. Polling percentage is likely to be near 60, which is normal for the state.
The threat from Naxal violence in this phase has largely been contained. In Nawada, where the MCC has a strong presence, Naxals kidnapped four police constables. One of them was killed, one is still missing while the other two have been released. But the boycott call and a bandh today by the MCC and the PWG largely went unnoticed.
Thakur provided the high point by casting his vote on the EVM with the TV cameras focused on him. The presiding officer had no choice but to invalidate his vote for violating the secrecy of the ballot. The state BJP unit is complaining that similar action has not been taken against Laloo’s daughter after Rabri was caught on-camera pointing to the button her daughter should press.
Two RJD supporters were killed and four people, including three extremists, injured in blasts across the state. A JD(U) activist was gunned down allegedly by CPI(M-L) supporters in front of a booth at Tendwa in Jehanabad, police said.
