Lucknow: The Samajwadi Party on Monday demanded the withdrawal of the Election Commission’s new directive requiring Anganwadi workers to identify burqa-clad women voters during the Bihar assembly elections, saying that the move is against transparent, free, and fair polls.

SP’s state unit president Shyamlal Pal submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief Election Commissioner of India through the state Chief Electoral Officer in Lucknow, alleging that the directive issued by CEC Gyanesh Kumar is “contrary to the rules of the Election Commission.”

The Election Commission on October 10 said special arrangements will be made at polling stations in Bihar for “dignified” identification of women voters in burqa or purdah.

In a statement, the poll authority said to encourage participation of ‘p

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