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Covid crisis may delay Bihar elections, MP bypolls

The alarming situation arising out of the massive spike in Covid-19 cases in the country may affect the upcoming elections in Bihar as well as bypolls in 64 seats in various states. According to sources, these elections can now be deferred in view of the pandemic showing no sign of abatement. However, the Election Commission […]

The alarming situation arising out of the massive spike in Covid-19 cases in the country may affect the upcoming elections in Bihar as well as bypolls in 64 seats in various states.

According to sources, these elections can now be deferred in view of the pandemic showing no sign of abatement. However, the Election Commission of India has not come out with any statement regarding the change of dates. Political parties are also making preparations in accordance with the schedule given by the ECI.

However, the government is at the same time worried about the spike in cases of Covid-19, with indications suggesting that October might see a record number of cases. The number of cases is going up so fast that it is feared that there might be one lakh cases per day in September itself.

With the situation deteriorating like this, there is a possibility that elections might not be held in October. The ECI has decided to hold elections in Bihar before 29 November. The Opposition is demanding the elections in March and this matter is in the court too.

Similarly, bypolls for 27 seats of MP were to be held before 20 September, but due to the corona crisis it was decided that these byelections will be held with the polls of Bihar. But if Bihar elections are postponed in view of the pandemic, then bypolls of MP and other states will also be affected.

As the parties are gearing up for polls, there will be a huge number of rallies during which it will be impossible to maintain social distancing. This will lead to an explosive situation. Vaccine against coronavirus is not expected to come before March next year. According to information, the situation may worsen in the month of October. And if the situation continues to get worse like this, then elections will be postponed. Sources said that the Bihar polls may be held in only two to three phases, instead of seven phases like earlier.

Meanwhile, the BJP is busy calculating political equations for the Bihar polls. A big faction of the party wants the BJP to go it alone. The LJP is also dropping hints that it may also go it alone in the elections. The BJP high command is, however, in favour of going to polls with its allies. But the corona crisis can unsettle the equations in the state. If everything is fine, then the possibility of elections is only after 15 November. And the bypolls will also be held only with Bihar elections.

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