In an unprecedented step, all 62,779 polling stations in Bihar will be guarded by central paramilitary forces, informed the Election Commission on Monday.
The Commission has also decided to appoint 323 observers - 243 general observers and 80 expenditure observers in order to check flow of illegal money. The steps aimed at ensuring free and fair polls were taken after the EC took stock of the security situation in the State where a five phase poll will kick off beginning October 12.
Informing about the development, Election Commissioner OP Rawat said that this time the Commission aims at “100 per cent coverage” by central armed police forces at all polling stations. “This has never happened before,” he said, adding that the role of State police and home guards will be restricted to maintaining queues and guard duty.
Rawat said that the decision was taken in consultation with all parties who insisted on deploying central forces in each polling booth. The Commission has even stepped up vigil over possible black money passing hands in the elections. The polling will conclude on November 5 and counting will be held on November 8.