Election panel wants Central forces at Bihar polling booths

The Election Commission on Monday asked its officials to ensure deployment of Central para-military forces at all polling stations in Bihar during the remaining phases of the Assembly polls to ensure free and fair voting.

Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi and Election Commissioners A.K. Joti and Om Prakash Rawat directed the District Magistrates and superintendents of police to ensure deployment of Central forces inside all polling stations.

“That would instil confidence among voters, especially those belonging to the weaker sections,” Mr Zaidi told reporters here after a review meeting along with the two other Election Commissioners.

Central forces have already been deployed in the Naxalite—affected areas and would be further strengthened, he said.

On the second day of their Bihar visit, the Commission held meetings to review poll preparedness for the fourth and fifth phases of elections and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. -- PTI