Law Kumar Mishra
Patna, August 23
Wanna a ground to hold an election meeting in the ensuing Bihar poll, please get an approval from the disaster management authority.
For, the authority is going to play an important role for the first time during the poll campaign in the coming elections in Bihar. The outbreak of pandemic coupled with the flood fury had expanded the responsibility of the authority.
Earlier, district magistrates were authorised to regulate campaign modalities and played a decisive role in allotment of grounds for public meetings. As per section 13AA of the Representation of the People Act 1950, subject to the superintendence, direction and control of the Chief Electoral Officer, the District Election Officer supervises the election work of a district.
Now, authority will decide on the allotment of maidans for the poll meetings. Authority can impose fines under the Epidemics Control act on the candidates and parties breaching the epidemics control act provisions.
Authority is chaired by the chief minister and its vice-chairman is a retired IAS Vyasji. Former DG of police P N Rai and retired engineer Udaykant Mishra are members of the authority.
