'Bihar voters' list purified'

Claiming a major electoral milestone, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday announced that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise has "purified" Bihar's voter list for the first time in 22 years, ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.

- Dheeraj Kumar

He also said a range of new initiatives have been introduced, aimed at strengthening transparency and voter convenience, many of which are set to be replicated across the country in the future.

Addressing a press conference during his two-day visit to Bihar, Kumar said the elections for the 243-member Assembly will be completed before its term ends on November 22.

On whether the elections will be conducted in phases, Kumar said the Commission is still evaluating inputs. “We've heard from all political parties. Each suggestion has its pros and cons. The Election Commission will decide on the matter soon,” he said.