Bihar Polls: Why Is There Tension in Rohtas with Grand Alliance Candidates Protesting Outside the Strong Room?
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Synopsis
Tension escalated in Rohtas district as Grand Alliance candidates protested outside a strong room, suspecting foul play with EVMs. The incident unfolded just hours before the vote counting for the Bihar Assembly elections, raising questions about election integrity.
Key Takeaways
- Tension in Rohtas district prior to vote counting.
- Grand Alliance candidates protested outside the strong room.
- Allegations of EVM tampering amidst security concerns.
- District officials confirmed the truck was empty.
- Polling turnout was 66%, higher than previous elections.
Patna, Nov 13 (NationPress) As the countdown begins for the vote counting scheduled for November 14 in the Bihar Assembly elections, tension escalated in Sasaram, Rohtas district, when candidates and supporters from the Grand Alliance caused a disturbance outside the strong room located at the Market Committee premises in Takiya Bazaar during the early hours of Thursday.
The protest erupted around 2 a.m. when the CCTV cameras inside the strong room malfunctioned, and a truck was spotted entering the premises without undergoing security checks.
RJD candidates Rajesh Yadav (Dinara) and Satyendra Sah (Sasaram) arrived at the scene with their supporters, staging a dharna and chanting slogans against the district administration.
Rajesh Yadav claimed, “A truck carrying EVMs has entered. Despite our complaints, the administration is unresponsive. The CCTV is off — something suspicious is clearly unfolding.”
Satyendra Sah remarked, “Why was the truck allowed into the strong room at night? This seems like a plot to swap out EVMs because the Grand Alliance is winning all seven seats in Rohtas.”
In response to the uproar, District Magistrate Udita Singh and Superintendent of Police Roshan Kumar arrived with police personnel.
The truck was checked, and officials confirmed it was carrying empty boxes intended for EVM storage.
DM Udita Singh stated, “All boxes have been inspected and found to be empty. However, if there are lingering doubts, we will review the CCTV footage.”
Despite official reassurances, Grand Alliance leaders continued to question the timing of the truck's arrival, persisting with their protest late into the night.
This incident has further heightened political tensions in Rohtas, with RJD candidates alleging a scheme to manipulate EVMs prior to the counting. The district administration has affirmed that measures are in place to ensure peaceful counting on November 14.
The polling for the Bihar Assembly took place across all 243 seats in two phases on November 6 and 11.
The turnout was over 66%, nearly 10% higher than the previous election in 2020.
Point of View
It is imperative we view this situation from an unbiased perspective. The unfolding protests in Rohtas highlight the heightened political anxieties as the Bihar Assembly elections reach a critical juncture. It is vital to ensure that all electoral processes are transparent and secure, reinforcing the trust in our democratic systems.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the protests in Rohtas?
The protests were triggered by the malfunctioning of CCTV cameras inside the strong room and a truck entering the premises without security checks, raising suspicions among Grand Alliance candidates.
What are the allegations made by RJD candidates?
RJD candidates allege that the truck contained EVMs and suggest there may be a conspiracy to tamper with the voting machines.
What measures are in place for the counting process?
The district administration has stated that arrangements are in place to ensure a peaceful counting process on November 14.
When were the Bihar Assembly elections held?
Polling for the Bihar Assembly elections occurred in two phases on November 6 and 11.
What was the voter turnout for the elections?
The voter turnout was recorded at over 66%, which is nearly 10% higher than the turnout in the 2020 elections.
