Battle over Bihar poll phases: BJP, RJD vs JDU

A team of the Election Commission (EC) on Saturday met political parties in Patna to discuss the schedule for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. Parties also shared their feedback on the Special Summary Revision (SIR).

BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal said the party has suggested elections be held immediately after the 28-day announcement period, in one or two phases. "There is no problem with the law-and-order situation in Bihar. The EC also asked parties to ensure their polling agents collect Form 17C after voting, as many leave early and later blame the system," Jaiswal said.

JDU working president Sanjay Jha demanded a single-phase election. "Law and order in Bihar is good, and no area is Naxal-affected now. If Maharashtra can have polls in one phase, why not Bihar?" he asked. The JDU also praised the EC for successfully completing the SIR.


RJD leader Abhay Kushwaha pressed for a two-phase poll and raised concerns over voter list discrepancies. "We asked for details of the 3.66 lakh voters deleted after the draft roll. We also want clarity on the 21.53 lakh new voters-whether they are all first-timers or include those earlier deleted," he said. The RJD also urged the EC to stop government cash transfers after the poll announcement.