BJP to choose Devendra Fadnavis as Bihar election campaign leader: Sources

In a significant development, sources have told Republic TV that former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fnavis is likely to le Bihar election campaign. Bihar will go to polls this year in October-vember. Fnavis, who lost CM seat in Maharashtra after Shiv Sena pulled back from Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra after assembly polls due to differences over Chif Minister's post. As per sources, Fnavis' name came up in BJP's core committee meeting on Thursday, and he may be named for campaign team officially in next week, as per sources.

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ECI Asks Parties To Submit ir Views

Last week, Election Commission of India asked president and general secretary of recognized state and national political parties to submit ir views regarding election campaign for Bihar polls. This came at a juncture when state governments have issued guidelines such as compulsory wearing of masks, in public places, social distancing, restrictions on large garings to contain spre of COVID-19. ECI aims to frame necessary guidelines for election campaign for conduct of polls during pandemic period. political parties were requested to send ir suggestions by August 11. 

RE | Bihar polls: ECI asks parties to submit ir views on election campaign amid COVID crisis

Opposition urges informed decision on conducting Bihar polls

Incidentally, opposition parties including RJD, Congress, RLSP and HAM wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora on July 17 urging him to reassess conducting upcoming Bihar Assembly polls. Contending that COVID-19 situation in Bihar is “rapidly worsening”, parties called for an informed decision regarding holding elections. y requested CEC to evolve a mechanism that protects health of democracy as well as that of people. 

While ackwledging that people of Bihar were "erly waiting" to get rid of a government formed against mandate, political parties such as Congress and RJD questioned how Election Commission of India planned to ensure physical distancing of at least two yards during voting process. Moreover, y expressed apprehension that entire poll exercise can become a super spreer event.

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Bihar election 2020

With 31,567 active COVID-19 cases, Bihar is all set to go to polls for a 243-member assembly seat this year. While BJP and JDU have said that y will contest polls with CM Nitish Kumar as leer, Mahagathbandhan consisting of RJD, Congress, HAM and ors are still discussing name of former CM Lalu Yav's son Tejashwi Yav. 

 While Kumar faces strong anti-incumbency, RJD - Bihar's main opposition has lost lusture it once h due to absence of it's chief Lalu Pras Yav.  Meanwhile, former JDU vice president Prashant Kishor has also claimed that he is working at 'ground level' for development of Bihar.  In a twist of sorts, London-based Pushpam Priya Choudhary, daughter of JDU leer Bid Choudhary, on March 8 declared herself as Chief Ministerial candidate.

In 2015 assembly polls, CM Nitish Kumar's JDU, n a part of Mahagathbandhan won 71 seats, Lalu Pras Yav's RJD won 80 seats, and Congress won 27 seats. BJP which fought elections alone after Kumar in 2013 broke 17-year-old alliance won a mere 53 seats out of 157 contested. However, saffron party came back to power when Kumar ditched Mahagathbandhan and once again stitched an alliance with BJP.

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