Violence-free Bihar polls an achievement: CEC Zaidi

Chief Election Commissioner of India Nasim Zaidi has said conducting Bihar election in a "violence-free" atmosphere was an "achievement" for the poll body.

It is an achievement that Bihar polls were conducted in a "violence-free atmosphere", Zaidi said, adding that state police had been replaced by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) for election duty in the state.

The Election Commission had ensured that (CAPF) personnel were deployed in all the 62,779 polling stations of Bihar.

In forthcoming elections also the Central Armed Police Forces will be deployed for free and fair polls, the CEC said.

With the objective of bringing more transparency in election process, several initiatives have been taken like citizens can challenge the details in the affidavits filed by election candidates, Zaidi told PTI.

If it seems to a person that a candidate has filed wrong information in affidavit, then he or she can challenge the affidavit in court, said the CEC, who was here to attend a private function.

If wrong information is regarding the candidate's income and details of his movable and immovable assets, then the same will be referred to the income tax department fo rlegal action, Zaidi said.

This procedure will enhance transparency during elections and prove as a deterrent as the elector of the country cannot be misguided, he said.

The candidate withholding details about criminal cases in their affidavits can also be brought to book, he said.

Affidavits of all candidates who contested the general as well as assembly elections can be viewed at election commission website - www.Affidavitarchive.Nic.In - by stake holders and public, the CEC said.