Zero tolerance for violence; Bihar poll to be a model: CEC | Lucknow News
Kanpur: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar emphasised here on Sunday that the poll panel has zero tolerance towards any kind of violence and Bihar voters would be able to cast their votes freely and peacefully.“Any act of violence will not be tolerated. All voters will be able to cast their votes peacefully, freely and transparently. The Election Commission is fully prepared for this,” he said, expressing confidence that it would be a model election.“I appeal to all voters of Bihar to come together and celebrate this festival of democracy. Everyone must come forward to exercise their right to vote,” he told reporters during his visit to Kanpur on Sunday, a day after the election commission took action against Patna police officials following violence in Mokama. The poll panel on Saturday ordered the transfer of Patna SP (Rural) and action against three other officials after violence in Bihar’s Mokama in which gangster-turned-politician Dular Chand Yadav was killed during poll campaigning.Former Bihar MLA Anant Singh, the JD(U)’s Mokama candidate was arrested late Saturday night in connection with the case.The CEC asserted that everyone is equal before the EC, whether it is the ruling side or the opposition. “For the Election Commission, there is no ‘paksh’ or ‘vipaksh’ (ruling side or opposition). Everyone is ‘samkaksh’ (equal) before us,” Kumar said.“Our 243 Returning Officers, an equal number of observers, district collectors, superintendents of police, police observers, and expenditure observers are all ready. I am confident that the elections in Bihar will set an example — not only for transparency, capability, simplicity, and the festive spirit of democracy — but also as a model for the entire world,” he said.The 243-member Bihar Assembly will go to polls in two phases on November 6 and November 11, and the counting of votes will take place on November 14.EC gets distinguished alumnus award at IIT-K CEC Gyanesh Kumar was conferred the distinguished alumnus award by IIT Kanpur. “A proud moment, celebrating excellence, integrity and leadership in public service,” he said after receiving the award. The distinguished alumnus Award, started in 1989, is the highest award given by IIT Kanpur to its alumni in recognition of their outstanding achievements.Speaking on the occasion, the CEC recalled how he told his mother it was not possible to visit IIT due to the Bihar elections and how the IIT staff gave up hope of his arrival. He said he honoured his mother’s wishes by attending the event. “Being honoured by IIT Kanpur filled me with pride,” he added. He called the four years he spent in Kanpur the most energetic and memorable of his life and said he felt fortunate to have the opportunity to return to his community and alma mater.“Every year, the institute works with its alumni to honour individuals for their outstanding achievements, service to the institute, and exemplary contributions to society and nation-building,” an IIT-K statement said.Gyanesh Kumar graduated from IIT Kanpur with a B Tech in Civil Engineering in 1985 and was conferred the award during the celebration of its 66th foundation day on Sunday.
