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Lawless state: Bihar seeks to shed image

With the countdown to the elections beginning, Bihar where most criminals walk the political lane and criminalisation of politics has been a trademark is trying shed its notorious image.

The state has taken its first step to free politics from criminals and corrupt elements.

EC acts tough

Till just a few months ago, Kamala Singh was the mukhia of Fatehpur village near Patna.

However, he now spends his time supervising the construction of a school.

Singh was sacked by the Bihar's Election Commission for hiding the fact that he was convicted of murdering a villager several years ago.

Kamala is among 90 elected Panchayat heads, who have got similar marching orders for having criminal backgrounds.

'Clean-up' campaign

It's part of the Rabri Devi government's radical 'clean-up' policy.

The policy, which is aimed at Panchayats, started two years ago when the state Election Commission was given more powers to act against elected Panchayat members who are found to have criminal pasts or of getting elected through corrupt means.

"We are going to weed out all those who have broken the law," said Upendra Prasad Verma, Panchayati Raj Minister.

"It has had a good effect. People are more aware now," added D P Maheshwari, State Election Commissioner.

Weeding out corruption

Bihar has taken one small step for a big cause but whether this will convey into a bigger fight against criminalisation of politics in the state will depend on the will of the political masters.

However, sacked mukhias like Kamala Singh claim it's only local leaders who are being targetted. The bigger fish are going scot-free.

"Powerful ministers and legislators can have hundreds of murder cases against them. But will anybody do anything to them?" asked Kamala Singh.

However, even skeptics agree that the action taken at the Panchayat level will have an impact on voters and this could go a long way in helping Bihar get rid of its image of being a lawless state.

Source: NDTV.com - Lawless state: Bihar seeks to shed image

Wow, this is the best news to know. Bihar becomign civilized.