Is the Election Commission Acting as a 'BJP Agent'?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tejashwi Yadav accuses the Election Commission of bias towards the BJP.
- The Supreme Court is reviewing petitions against the SIR process.
- Concerns arise over the disenfranchisement of voters without proper documentation.
- Protests continue, highlighting the opposition's dissatisfaction with electoral integrity.
- The outcome of the Supreme Court's decision could significantly impact the upcoming elections.
Patna, July 10 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, claimed on Thursday that the Election Commission seems to be functioning as an agent for the BJP.
While addressing the media at Patna airport, Tejashwi Yadav expressed his criticisms regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar.
In light of the Supreme Court hearing related to petitions contesting the SIR process, the RJD leader stated, “We have approached the apex court to present our perspective. We await the court's decision.”
Tejashwi Yadav raised concerns over the rejection of Aadhaar cards, ration cards, job cards, and MNREGA cards during the verification, highlighting that numerous individuals in Bihar lack birth-related documentation.
“The Election Commission has not provided any clarifications. Why is the (Election) commissioner not holding a press conference to address the uncertainties? What kind of arrogance is this?” he questioned, adding, “It appears that the Election Commission is functioning like a BJP party cell,” Yadav remarked.
The Supreme Court has commenced hearings on challenges to the Election Commission of India's decision to carry out the SIR of the voter list in Bihar ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections this year.
The Election Commission has initiated a month-long effort to verify around 8 crore voters in the state, a move that the opposition claims could disenfranchise many without birth certificates or date-of-birth documents.
A day prior, a Bihar bandh was observed in protest against the SIR, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi participating in demonstrations on the streets of Patna.
Rahul Gandhi voiced his concerns about the integrity of the Election Commission, warning that the people of Bihar would not tolerate any attempts at voter fraud.
“The BJP has manipulated the Maharashtra Assembly election and is attempting to replicate this in Bihar through SIR, but the voters here will ensure the BJP learns a lesson,” he stated.