Is the ECI Serving as BJP’s ‘B Team’ in Bihar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tejashwi Yadav alleges bias from the Election Commission in favor of the BJP.
- Claims of dual voter ID cards raise concerns about electoral integrity.
- Yadav emphasizes the need for vigilance among voters.
- The allegations are currently under review by the Supreme Court.
- Bihar is referred to as the “birthplace of democracy.”
Patna, Aug 14 (NationPress) Former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has charged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is biased towards the BJP as the Bihar Assembly elections approach.
Addressing journalists in Patna on Thursday, Yadav stated, “From the outset, we have maintained that the Election Commission is favoring the BJP. Numerous dual voter ID cards are surfacing for notable figures - including the Deputy Chief Minister, MPs, MLCs, and mayors - due to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, revealing their names in multiple constituencies.”
Claiming this points to significant fraud via the SIR process, Yadav asserted, “If such discrepancies are evident with prominent leaders, consider the plight of ordinary citizens. Many living individuals are incorrectly listed as deceased in official records. ECI is functioning as a B-team for the BJP in Bihar. Several of these ‘deceased’ individuals have even appeared in the Supreme Court.”
The RJD leader accused the ECI of withholding critical information and highlighted that the issue is currently under review by the Supreme Court.
“We are contesting the case and presenting every detail before the court. We anticipate a fair judgment,” he remarked.
Earlier today, Yadav made two consecutive social media posts indicating alleged dual EPIC cards belonging to LJP (Ram Vilas) MP Veena Devi and her spouse, JD(U) MLC Dinesh Singh, which were registered in different constituencies in Muzaffarpur.
Following his disclosures, the ECI issued notices to both politicians, ordering them to respond by 5 p.m. on August 16.
Yadav also drew comparisons to incidents outside Bihar, referencing a Panchayat election in Haryana where a candidate was reportedly “forcibly defeated” at one booth due to EVM tampering.
“The candidate approached the Supreme Court, which mandated video-recorded counting across all booths. Ultimately, the candidate triumphed, but for three years, a fraudulent Sarpanch held office because of EVM manipulation,” Yadav noted.
He further mentioned the Chandigarh mayoral election, where the court annulled the results upon uncovering irregularities.
“Subsequently, the BJP government altered the regulations - now, after 45 days, the Election Commission will not furnish the counting video. When the BJP and the Election Commission eliminate evidence, what can you present in court?” he queried.
Labeling Bihar the “cradle of democracy,” Yadav urged voters to remain “alert, cautious, and informed,” cautioning that “PM Modi and Shah are averse to transparency in democracy” and that “the Constitution and democratic values must not be trampled.”