Did Venugopal Uncover a 'Managed Mandate' in Bihar as Congress Critiques EC Over Voter Deletions?
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Synopsis
The Congress party has launched a fierce critique of the Bihar Assembly election results, with K.C. Venugopal alleging that the electoral mandate was manipulated. This article delves into the allegations of voter suppression and misuse of government schemes, raising critical questions about electoral integrity in India.
Key Takeaways
- The Congress party claims the Bihar election results were manipulated.
- Allegations include voter deletions and misuse of government schemes.
- K.C. Venugopal criticized the Election Commission for perceived bias.
- Uniform victory margins across constituencies raise statistical concerns.
- The party plans to challenge the election outcomes through legal means.
New Delhi, Nov 27 (NationPress) The Congress party has ramped up its criticism regarding the Bihar Assembly election outcomes, with party general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal asserting that the mandate was "manipulated, fabricated, and severely compromised."
His statements emerged via a post on X after a lengthy four-hour review meeting with Congress candidates and prominent leaders from Bihar, presided over by the Congress President and the Leader of the Opposition.
Venugopal indicated that the comprehensive accounts shared during the meeting collectively pointed to what the party termed a "twisted electoral process" rather than a true reflection of voter sentiment. He noted that the feedback from candidates raised significant concerns regarding voter deletions, last-minute name additions, and the alleged misuse of government schemes to sway voters.
The Congress leader specifically mentioned grievances related to the State Identification Register (SIR), which candidates alleged was utilized in a targeted way to remove names of loyal supporters while allowing "questionable additions." Numerous candidates reportedly shared instances where voters discovered their names missing despite having proper documentation and having participated in the previous election cycle.
Venugopal also brought attention to allegations regarding the MMRY (Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana) scheme, with party leaders contending that funds were disbursed close to polling day in a manner that, they claimed, constituted cash inducements. Some candidates reportedly informed the leadership of benefits being granted even near polling booths, raising concerns about the integrity of polling-day procedures.
Another issue that was consistently raised, according to Venugopal, was the trend of similar victory margins across various constituencies. The Congress argued that such uniformity was statistically improbable and warranted investigation, particularly in an election characterized by diverse local dynamics, candidate profiles, and caste considerations.
While these remain allegations from the Congress party, they have framed them as indicators of what they label as "systematic electoral misconduct."
Venugopal's post on X also staunchly condemned the Election Commission of India, asserting that its actions appeared "biased" and "aligned with the ruling BJP," especially concerning the supervision of the Model Code of Conduct and election-day protocols.
He accused the ECI of functioning "less as an impartial constitutional arbiter and more as an enabler of the ruling party's agenda."
The Congress has pledged to continue pursuing legal, political, and organizational routes to contest what it describes as a "usurped mandate," stressing that it views the developments in Bihar as part of a broader national issue concerning electoral integrity.
"What transpired in Bihar is a direct attack on democracy," Venugopal declared on X, asserting that the party would resist any attempts to normalize such a precedent.
He emphasized that the Congress's struggle to "defend India’s democratic foundations" would persist "fearlessly, tirelessly, and with the people alongside us."
Point of View
It's essential to approach this matter with a balanced perspective. The allegations made by the Congress party raise important questions regarding electoral integrity and the role of the Election Commission. Regardless of political affiliations, safeguarding democracy and ensuring fair elections is a shared responsibility. Continuous scrutiny and accountability are necessary to maintain the public's trust in the electoral process.
NationPress
28/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key allegations made by K.C. Venugopal?
K.C. Venugopal alleges that the Bihar election mandate was manipulated, highlighting issues such as voter deletions, last-minute additions, and misuse of government schemes.
How does the Congress party view the Election Commission's role?
The Congress party accuses the Election Commission of India of being biased and aligning with the ruling BJP, undermining its role as an impartial arbiter.
What steps is the Congress party planning to take?
The Congress has vowed to pursue legal and political avenues to contest what they describe as a stolen mandate and advocate for electoral integrity.
