Bihar: Bhagalpur residents not excited about polls

BHAGALPUR: While the district administration is busy with the preparations for assembly election, a section of residents seems to be apathetic towards polls in the backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic and financial instability due to prolonged lockdown and restrictions since March.
“Lockdown and restrictions due to Covid-19 pandemic have caused financial burden to us and our families,” said Anil Mandal.
Echoing similar views, Pramod Kumar said he doesn’t care who wins or loses in assembly election. “No politician actually cares about us,” said Birendra Kumar, an employee of a private firm.
There are seven assembly segments in the district — Bihpur, Gopalpur, Pirpainty, Kahalgaon, Bhagalpur, Sultanganj and Nathnagar.
Some political outfits expect low voter turnout owing to Covid threat, others consider it as a challenge to ensure large turnout for their gain.
Bhagalpur SSP Ashish Bharti said all required measures are being taken for peaceful polling in the district. “Steps like initiating Bihar Crime Control Act (CCA) against criminals and antisocial elements have been taken. The SHOs have been alerted to nab criminals and check crime under their respective jurisdictions,” he said.
Bhagalpur DM Pranav Kumar also said every effort is being made to ensure free and fair polls.