New Delhi, April 16 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday started preparations for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, with over 200 booth-level agents participating in a national-level training programme at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management, Delhi.

According to sources, the ECI has stepped up efforts to conduct a smooth, free and fair election set to happen later this year.

Notably, this will be the first Assembly polls Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will be overseeing following his appointment in February of this year.

However, his appointment has not been without controversy, as Congress leader criticised his appointment, filing a dissent note and asking the central...