For Indians stoically used to multiple phases of polling — three in just the ongoing Bihar assembly election – the spectre of delay in the world’s oldest democracy seems baffling.
As many as 33 of the constituencies going to polls in the first phase have been declared as sensitive or hypersensitive constituencies, the poll panel said.
Election Commission has allowed rallies to be held but under strict Covid protocols, none of which are being followed by political parties campaigning for Bihar polls.
Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra tells ThePrint One Nation One Poll is a ‘desirable idea’, but political consensus for it is crucial since it would require constitutional amendments.
Opposition parties in Bihar have expressed concerns about an all-digital campaign, given its limited reach. But EC says it’s yet to take a final decision.
Opposition parties had raised concerns, even calling the proposal ‘unconstitutional’. But EC has cited logistical constraints for not extending the facility.
Bihar Chief Electoral Officer R. Srinivasa says his office has sent several proposals to Election Commission to ensure voters adhere to Covid safety norms during polls due this year.
Macaulay's intent was quite different from what has been propagated by Indian leaders and public intellectuals, who love to live in their own sectarian mental chambers.
Once acquired by IAF, the medium transport aircraft (MTA) will replace both AN-32s and IL-76s, it is learnt. The idea behind the revamp is to meet modern operational needs.
It is a brilliant, reasonably priced, and mostly homemade aircraft with a stellar safety record; only two crashes in 24 years since its first flight. But its crash is a moment of introspection.
COMMENTS