Is the Election Commission in Bihar Operating Transparently?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tejashwi Yadav criticizes the Election Commission for non-transparency.
- The Voter Rights Yatra will commence on August 17.
- The campaign will address critical issues like crime and corruption.
- Leaders from the INDIA coalition are expected to join.
- Tejashwi plans to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
Patna, Aug 12 (NationPress) Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday accused the Election Commission of India of lacking transparency, stating that a significant number of voters' names have been removed in Bihar.
In a press briefing in Patna, Tejashwi asserted that despite Bihar not receiving special state status, its democratic rights are being "violated".
"While I am not opposed to updating the voter list," Tejashwi stated, "I condemn the opaque practices of the Election Commission. Numerous names have been deleted without any clear justification. The Commission appears to be disregarding even the Supreme Court's guidance and evading responsibility."
Tejashwi Yadav revealed that starting August 17, he and his party would initiate a Matdata Adhikar Yatra (Voter Rights Yatra) to enhance public awareness.
This campaign will also tackle issues like crime, corruption, and administrative chaos in Bihar. Leaders from the INDIA coalition, such as Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Dipankar Bhattacharya, are anticipated to participate.
The Voter Rights Yatra aims to cover 23 districts in Bihar, culminating at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on September 31.
Tejashwi further pointed out that Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has two voter EPIC numbers.
"If such discrepancies can occur with a senior official, what does that imply for ordinary citizens?" he questioned.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Sinha stated he would provide his explanation to the Election Commission of India by August 14.
"I will present my account regarding the dual EPIC numbers by August 14. Unlike Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, who merely create a fuss, I trust in democracy and the integrity of the Election Commission," he mentioned.
Tejashwi emphasized the necessity for the Election Commission to be accountable, asserting that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar cannot overlook this issue.
He pledged to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court, expressing confidence that democracy and the "people's rights will be safeguarded".
The hearing regarding Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is set to occur in the Supreme Court on Tuesday.