Farmers Movement Archive

Bihar: Parties hail poll date announcement

PATNA: After the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday announced the schedule for assembly elections in state, there was excitement at all party offices here. Beer Chand Patel Path, which hosts the offices of the state’s three main political parties – JD(U), BJP and RJD – wore a different look. Large number of SUVs parked along the road and gatherings inside the party offices showed the workers were all excited for the upcoming elections. Even incessant rain could not mar the enthusiasm of workers, who could also be spotted near tea shops and small litti-chokha stalls. JD(U) spokesperson Anjum Ara and Arvind Nishad, both of whom were present at the party office, said the excitement has further increased after the announcement of poll dates. Ara said, “Look at the faces of party workers to figure out how happy they are. RJD and other opposition parties did not want the election to take place, but the EC understands the importance of democratic exercise.” Nishad said their wait for announcement of poll dates was finally over now. The RJD office also witnessed activities throughout the day. Party’s state general secretary (headquarters) Nirala Yadav said, “Elections in Bihar are like festivals and we are very excited. This is an opportunity for people to hand over the reins of Bihar to Tejashwi Prasad Yadav as CM Nitish Kumar has failed on all fronts.” Shailesh Kumar (21), an RJD worker from Masaurhi, said, “I am excited because I will exercise my franchise for the first time. I will try my best to help Tejashwi bhaiya win the election and become CM of the state.” The mood at BJP office was no different with party workers assembling there with party flags. “The leaders and workers of BJP are so happy with the announcement of poll schedule. BJP is a political organisation, which works round the clock and always remains prepared to face the electoral challenge. The NDA will sweep polls in the state,” BJP state spokesperson Nikhil Anand said. Congress workers were also seen making a beeline for Sadaquat Ashram. Party’s state president Madan Mohan Jha was also present at the office at the time of announcement of poll dates by ECI. Congress’s state spokesperson Rajesh Rathore said the party’s screening committee chairman, Avinash Pandey, along with two other members, will reach Patna on Saturday on a two-day visit. “We were already preparing for elections. The announcement of dates has further increased our zeal. However, we still wonder why the EC has allowed elections amid Covid-19 pandemic. It has also admitted that 70 countries have postponed their elections due to the pandemic,” Rathore added. At the RLSP office, party functionaries and workers got to know about the poll dates after conclusion of their protests against farm Bills. Bhola Sharma, media incharge-cum-spokesperson of RLSP welcomed the announcement of poll dates. Workers at HAM(S) office queued up for tickets after the announcement of poll dates and extended greetings to each other. Various cells of the party have been activated for the polls. HAM(S) spokesperson Danish Rizwan said the party would release its manifesto in the next couple of days.

The Times of India

2020-09-26

Patna