Election Commission calls all-party meeting on Oct. 4

NEW DELHI - Ahead of the Bihar Assembly polls, the Election Commission has called an all-party meeting on October 4 to discuss issues relating to use of money and muscle power in elections and criminalisation of politics.

It has been reported that the meeting will be held in two parts. In the morning, discussion will be done with leaders of national parties and in the evening, state level leaders will come for the meeting.

The meeting is likely to discuss issues relating to use of money power during elections, criminalisation of politics and paid news.

There are reports that matters related to the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). will also be discussed in the meeting.

“We are preparing to call an all party meeting… it will be held soon. The use of money and muscle power during elections, criminalisation of politics and paid news will be discussed among other issues,” said Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi on Sunday.

“The issue of paid news should be seen in the context of use of money power in the elections. The commission has formed certain guidelines which will be applied in upcoming elections in Bihar,” he added.

The six-phase poll for 243 seats in Bihar begins from October 21 and concludes November 20.

The first phase of elections will take place on October 21 for 47 state assembly seats, the second phase on October 24 for 45 seats, the third phase on October28 for 48 seats, the fourth on November1 for 42 seats, the fifth phase on November 9 for 25 seats and the sixth and last phase on November 20 for 26 seats.

Counting of votes will take place on November 24.

Bihar has over 5.5 crore voters, who will exercise their franchise through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). (ANI)