Election oversight tightens after deadly clash in Mokama amid Bihar polls

In a recent escalation of election‑time violence, the Election Commission of India (EC) has taken decisive action after the killing of a campaign worker in the Mokama assembly constituency in Bihar. A supporter of the Jan Suraaj Party, identified as Dularchand Yadav, died on October 30 following a clash between rival political groups in the run‑up to the state election. 

The EC cited “negligence and dereliction of duty” by local election and police officials and ordered the immediate transfer of the Patna Rural Superintendent of Police and the Returning Officer for Mokama. Further reshuffles include suspension of key sub‑divisional officers and disciplinary proceedings for others in the Barh subdivision. 

The murder has reignited longstanding caste and crime tensions in the region. Dularchand, once a dominant local figure, was said to be campaigning for Jan Suraaj’s candidate when the violence erupted. The incident has triggered fresh scrutiny of law and order in the constituency, historically prone to electoral violence.

In response, the EC has also requested compliance reports and emphasised that campaign convoys and processions must adhere to the model code of conduct. The developments highlight the commission’s intent to preserve the credibility of the electoral process in Bihar ahead of polling.