Is the Bihar Govt and Centre Plotting to Take Away Voting Rights?
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Synopsis
In a fiery criticism, Rabri Devi, former Chief Minister of Bihar, accuses the state government of collaborating with the Centre to eliminate voter rights through the ECI's controversial electoral roll revision. She raises concerns over the implications for migrant workers and the approaching elections.
Key Takeaways
- Rabri Devi accuses the Bihar government of colluding with the Centre.
- Concerns over the removal of names from the voter list affecting three crore individuals.
- Questioning the timing of the electoral roll revision with elections approaching.
- High-profile crimes in Bihar are raising alarms about law and order.
- Demands for transparency from the ECI regarding the electoral process.
Patna, July 21 (NationPress) Former Bihar Chief Minister and prominent RJD figure Rabri Devi fiercely criticized the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll led by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Bihar, asserting that the state government is collaborating with the Centre to deprive citizens of their voting rights.
Speaking with IANS, Rabri Devi stated, "The government's actions to remove names from the voter list are not mere errors; they represent a calculated political strategy."
“It seems the ECI has chosen to focus solely on Bihar for this revision. Why is it only happening here?”
The RJD leader raised concerns over the reasoning and timing of this revision.
“With elections approaching, names are being removed just two months prior. How are people expected to acquire voter ID cards? This is not negligence; it’s a gross injustice,” she remarked.
Rabri Devi expressed worry about the removal of names of migrant workers and individuals temporarily residing outside Bihar due to flooding or employment.
“Individuals leave during the rainy season for work. Many have been displaced by floods. Does that mean they are no longer citizens of Bihar or India?” she questioned.
She claimed that nearly three crore individuals have reportedly been impacted, alleging their names were removed without justification.
“Three crore hard-working people are now missing from the voter list. They are gathering documents, only to see them discarded. What evidence can they present in two months? Ancestral documents? This is a travesty being inflicted by the Central government through the ECI,” she charged.
Rabri Devi did not hesitate to mention Prime Minister Narendra Modi in her criticisms.
“PM Modi is orchestrating this. Why was this revision not conducted during the Madhya Pradesh elections? Why exclusively in Bihar? The Bihar government is colluding with the Centre to strip citizens of their voting rights,” she alleged.
She insisted that the ECI should engage with Bihar's citizens and inform them about these changes.
The RJD leader also addressed the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
“Crime is escalating, not just in Bihar but nationwide. However, the situation here is particularly dire. Nitish Kumar is the Chief Minister and oversees the Home portfolio, yet he appears incapable of managing the crisis,” she told IANS.
When asked if Nitish Kumar should resign, Rabri Devi proposed a controversial alternative.
“If he cannot govern the state, he should step back and allow his son to take over as Chief Minister. Perhaps the youth could handle it better,” she suggested.
This criticism arises amidst a series of high-profile crimes that have shaken the state in recent weeks. Names like Gopal Khemka, Ajit Kumar, Ramakant Yadav, Vikram Jha, Jitendra Kumar Mahato, Sushila Devi, and Surendra Kewat—many previously unknown outside their localities—have become emblematic of the rising violence in Bihar. All were recent victims of gruesome murders, provoking backlash from the opposition.
These events have reignited claims of a return to a “jungle raj”—a term historically used to describe the lawlessness during the tenure of former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi’s husband.
Furthermore, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, recently labeled Bihar the “crime capital of India,” citing media reports claiming 31 murders this month and warning of a thriving “contract killing industry” in the state.
Point of View
The concerns raised by Rabri Devi highlight the critical importance of safeguarding electoral integrity. Ensuring all citizens maintain their voting rights, especially vulnerable groups like migrant workers, is essential for a healthy democracy. The ECI must address these issues transparently to uphold public trust.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the electoral roll revision in Bihar?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to update the electoral roll, but it has faced criticism for potentially targeting Bihar unfairly.
How many people are reportedly affected by the removal of names from the voter list?
Approximately three crore individuals are believed to have had their names removed from the voter list during this revision.
What concerns did Rabri Devi raise about migrant workers?
Rabri Devi expressed concerns that the names of migrant workers and those temporarily away due to floods or employment are being unjustly removed, questioning their citizenship status.
How has the ongoing crime situation in Bihar influenced the political discourse?
Recent high-profile crimes have led to accusations of a return to 'jungle raj' and intensified criticism against the state government, particularly targeting Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
What does Rabri Devi suggest as a solution to the law and order issues?
Rabri Devi suggested that if Nitish Kumar cannot manage the state effectively, he should step aside and let his son take over the Chief Minister role.
