Election commissioners begin two-day Bihar visit

A three-member Election Commission team, headed by Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami, today began a two-day visit of Bihar to assess poll preparedness in the state.

A three-member Election Commission team, headed by Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami, on Friday began a two-day visit of Bihar to assess poll preparedness in the state.

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The team that also comprises Election Commissioners Navin Chawla and SY Quraishi will meet senior bureaucrats and leaders of major political parties to gauge whether the state is ready for the elections that begin next month.

Officials said the election commissioners will meet leaders of all political parties to ascertain their views on the law and order situation. The issue of poll arrangements in the five districts of Purnia, Madhepura, Araria, Saharsa and Supaul districts that were devastated by floods last year will also be discussed.

Besides meeting the chief secretary and the director general of police of the state, the Election Commission team will also hold discussions with all district magistrates and superintendents of police to review preparations in the state notorious for poll related violence and irregularities.

Elections to the 40 parliamentary seats in Bihar will be held in four phases beginning April 16. The votes will be counted May 16.