Asaduddin Owaisi ready for Bihar poll challenge, vows to teach lesson to 'secular' parties

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday expressed his party's willingness to participate in upcoming Bihar Assembly polls despite challenge of COVID-19 crisis. He mentioned that AIMIM has joined hands with Samajwadi Janata Dal (Democratic) to form United Democratic Secular Alliance. Owaisi expressed hope that UDSA will t only defeat BJP-JD(U) ruling alliance, but also teach a lesson to "secular parties" such as Congress.

Flanked by ex-Union Minister and SJD(D) chief Devendra Prasad Yadav, Hyderabad MP anunced formation of alliance on September 19. While refusing to divulge details about seat-sharing formula, he came down heavily on RJD for accusing him of indirectly helping BJP. Citing results of Kishanganj Lok Sabha seat in 2019 where AIMIM candidate secured most number of votes after JD(U) and Congress, Owaisi opined that his party can't be dismissed as an insignificant player. In October 2019, AIMIM opened its account in Bihar Assembly after Qamrul Hoda defeated BJP's Sweety Singh by 10,211 votes. 

Read: Decision On Holding Bihar Polls Amid Pandemic A Leap Of Faith, t Leap In Dark : CEC Arora

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Bihar polls dates anunced

Addressing a press conference earlier in day, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora anunced that Bihar Assembly election will be held in 3 phases- October 28, vember 3 and vember 7. 71, 94 and 78 Assembly constituencies will go to polls in first phase, second phase and third phase respectively.  counting of votes will take place on vember 10.

He stated that more than 7 lakh units of hand sanitizers, about 46 lakh masks, 6 lakh PPE kits, 7.6 lakhs face kits, and 23 lakh hand gloves have been arranged. Furrmore, 7.2 crore single-use hand gloves have been specifically allocated for voters. To decongest polling stations, voting time has been increased by one hour. Thus, people will be able to cast ir votes from 7 am to 6 pm barring for areas affected by Left-wing extremism. 

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