Just days ahead of the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar issued a firm warning against election-related violence and emphasised the Election Commission’s commitment to a fair and peaceful polling process. Speaking to reporters in Kanpur on Sunday, Kumar underlined that the poll body has “zero tolerance” for any violent incidents and is fully prepared to ensure that voters can exercise their franchise without fear.

Kumar’s remarks came in the wake of the arrest of Janata Dal (United) candidate Anant Kumar Singh from Mokama constituency in connection with the murder of Dularchand Yadav, a campaigner for Jan Suraaj candidate Piyush Priyadarshi. The incident, which occurred during election campaigning, prompted the Election Commission to order the transfer of several key officials in the constituency and seek a detailed report from the Bihar Director General of Police.

During his visit to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where he was conferred the Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA), Kumar stressed the importance of voter participation and the impartiality of the Commission. “I want to appeal to everyone to come and participate in the election process, and everyone come to exercise their right to vote. On the topic of violence, Election Commission wants to make it clear that the Election Commission has zero tolerance towards violence. No incident of violence will be tolerated. The Election Commission is ready to make sure the electors can peacefully vote. Our 243 returning officers, many observers, every district’s collector, SP, SSP, police observers, everyone is ready,” he said.

Kumar made it a point to highlight that the Election Commission treats all political parties equally, irrespective of whether they are in government or in opposition. “In Bihar elections, every political party, in their own way, are asking for electors to vote for them. I want to say it once again that for Election Commission, no one is in ruling, or opposition side; everyone is neutral,” he added.

The CEC also expressed confidence that the Bihar Assembly elections will be conducted efficiently, transparently, and in a manner that could set a benchmark for electoral processes globally. “The hope is that the Bihar polls will happen not only transparently, competently, with ease and not only be an example for the country but for the world,” he stated.

The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled to take place in two phases — the first on November 6 and the second on November 11 — with counting of votes set for November 14. Kumar’s assurances and the poll body’s swift actions following the Mokama incident underscore the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the electoral process and maintaining law and order amid heightened political tensions in the state.

The Chief Election Commissioner’s firm stance on neutrality and violence comes at a critical time, as Bihar has witnessed several high-profile incidents involving candidates with criminal backgrounds. The arrest of Anant Singh, a veteran politician with numerous pending cases, has brought to the forefront concerns over the influence of criminal elements in the state’s political landscape. The Election Commission’s proactive measures, including the transfer of officials and monitoring of security, are aimed at mitigating risks and ensuring that voters can cast their ballots without intimidation or threat.

Kumar’s emphasis on neutrality is particularly significant in the context of Bihar, where political rivalries are intense, and the stakes are high for both ruling and opposition parties. By reiterating that the Commission treats all parties equally, Kumar sought to reinforce public confidence in the impartiality and fairness of the electoral process.

As voters prepare to head to the polls in the first phase on November 6, the Election Commission’s message is clear: while political campaigning will continue, any form of violence or disruption will be strictly dealt with, and every effort will be made to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections in the state.