'Bihar polls should be held on time' says JD(U) amid coronavirus crisis

Amid concerns on a worsening Coronavirus outbreak in Bihar, ruling Janata Dal (United) has said that assembly elections should be held on time so that new government can work for development.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that elections are held on time. We are focussing on elections so that new government works for development," JDU spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan said on Saturday.

Refuting claims of opposition alleging neglect by state government, Ranjan said Bihar government is working well on coronavirus containment and floods manment.

"To fight coronavirus, 5,000 more beds have been installed in hospitals for patients and coronavirus testing target is being set at 20,000 per day. In case of floods, SOPs are being followed which h been decided last month and on that basis relief shelters and disaster manment work is being done," said Ranjan.

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Bihar government has said that 9.6 lakh people have been affected by floods in state and 12,023 persons were staying in shelter homes. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel carried out rescue operations in flood-affected areas of East Champaran district on Friday. It said 22 teams of NDRF and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in state to help in rescue and relief efforts.

Elections in pandemic period

Even though Election Commission has alrey geared up its preparation for Bihar assembly polls, y may find it difficult to hold elections in se testing times, till infections curve is flattened in state. A large number of officials are required to hold elections, which may also be a challenge.

Bihar Assembly will complete its tenure on vember 29 and if elections are deferred, state may he for President’s rule till elections are held. Opposition parties have urged poll body to reassess conducting Bihar Assembly polls. Contending that COVID-19 situation in Bihar is “rapidly worsening”, parties called for an informed decision regarding holding elections.

Coronavirus outbreak

COVID-19 death toll in Bihar rose to 221 on Friday with nine more people succumbing to disease in 24 hours, while over 1,800 fresh cases took state's tally to 33,511, according to a health department bulletin. Patna, worst-affected district in state, became first to have reported over 5,000 COVID-19 cases till date. However, with 1,873 patients recuperating from disease in 24 hours state's COVID-19 recovery rate reached 68.13%, an improvement of over two percent points from that on Thursday.

(With ANI inputs)

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