The Election Commission has directed the transfer of several administrative and police officers in Bihar after the murder of a man said to be linked with Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party. The officers shifted include Sub-Divisional Officer Chandan Kumar, Sub-Divisional Police Officers Rakesh Kumar and Abhishek Singh, and Patna SP Rural Vikram Sihag. SDPO Abhishek Singh has also been suspended. The Commission has asked the Chief Election Officer to submit a full report on the case by Sunday noon. The incident took place on Thursday in Bihar’s Mokama during a campaign clash between two groups. The victim, Dularchand Yadav, was killed in the violence.
Why did the Election Commission take strict action?
Mokama, where the attack happened, will vote in the first phase on November 6. The area is well known as a Bahubali or strongman stronghold. One of its key figures is Anant Kumar Singh, who is contesting the election on a Janata Dal (United) ticket led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. His brother, Dilip Singh, is also an influential name in the region.
Who are the main rivals in this election?
Anant Kumar Singh’s opponent is Veena Devi, wife of his long-time rival Surajbhan Singh, who is contesting on a Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) ticket. The rivalry between the two families dates back to the 2000 assembly election and continues to shape the political scene in Mokama.
How could the killing affect the election?
The murder of Dularchand Yadav, who had several police cases against him, is expected to influence the upcoming election. The case has stirred tension among voters and political parties alike.
What did Prashant Kishor say about the incident?
Election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has denied any link between his party and the slain man. “Dular Chand Yadav was neither a member of Jan Suraaj nor associated with the party in any capacity,” he told NDTV. “Our candidate there is Piyush, and we are not responsible for anyone campaigning for him. Dularchand Yadav’s dispute was with Anant Kumar Singh,” he added.
