Is the ‘Maharashtra Model’ Being Used to Manipulate Elections in Bihar?
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Synopsis
In a powerful address, Rahul Gandhi has accused the central government of replicating the 'Maharashtra model' in Bihar to manipulate election outcomes. This article delves into his arguments against the Election Commission and the potential impact on voters in Bihar.
Key Takeaways
- Rahul Gandhi criticizes the Election Commission and Central Government.
- Accusations of a Bihar model for election manipulation.
- Concerns raised over the Special Intensive Revision process.
- The potential disenfranchisement of poor and migrant voters.
- The importance of electoral integrity in democracy.
Patna, July 9 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, fiercely criticized the Central Government and the Election Commission of India on Wednesday, claiming that the Maharashtra model of "manipulating elections" is currently being replicated in Bihar.
“We have arrived in Bihar, a state where individuals have laid down their lives for the Constitution. Our Constitution states that every citizen is entitled to vote. I want to inform both the people of India and those in Bihar that just as the elections in Maharashtra were compromised, there is a similar attempt underway to undermine the Bihar elections,” LoP Gandhi stated while speaking to a large crowd during the ‘Chakka Jam’ demonstration in Patna against the revision of voter lists.
LoP Gandhi asserted that the BJP and the Election Commission have realized that the Opposition is aware of the Maharashtra model.
“They have recognized that we are onto them regarding the Maharashtra model, and so they have devised the Bihar model,” the Congress leader mentioned, emphasizing that “this strategy aims to rob the votes of the impoverished, but they underestimate Bihar; the people here will not allow this to occur.”
Reflecting on the recent Maharashtra Assembly elections, LoP Gandhi claimed that while the INDIA Bloc triumphed in the Lok Sabha elections in the state, they experienced a defeat in the subsequent Assembly elections, with data analysis uncovering significant anomalies.
“The INDIA alliance won the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, yet a few months later, we lost the Assembly elections. We remained silent initially, but upon examining the data, we discovered that one crore new voters had registered between the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. This indicates a 10 percent increase in voter turnout for the Assembly,” LoP Gandhi remarked.
He alleged that the surge in voters was concentrated in areas favorable to the BJP, with numerous registrations linked to single addresses, while disenfranchising the poor.
“When we requested the Election Commission to provide the voter list and carry out videography, they remained silent. We have yet to receive the voter list from Maharashtra, and the laws regarding videography were altered,” he stated.
LoP Gandhi’s comments came as part of the Bihar Bandh organized by the Congress, RJD, and Left parties, protesting against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list ahead of the Assembly elections set to occur in three months.
The Opposition claims that the SIR process could disenfranchise millions of poor and migrant voters, while the ruling NDA has dismissed these concerns as mere political tactics.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this situation with an unbiased perspective. The claims made by Rahul Gandhi about election manipulation must be thoroughly investigated and addressed. The integrity of the electoral process is vital for democracy, and all parties involved should prioritize transparency and fairness.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Maharashtra model'?
The 'Maharashtra model' refers to allegations of election manipulation that occurred during the recent Maharashtra elections, where significant irregularities were reported.
Why is Rahul Gandhi concerned about the Bihar elections?
Rahul Gandhi is concerned that similar tactics used in Maharashtra are being applied in Bihar to undermine the electoral process and disenfranchise voters.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process?
The SIR process involves updating the voter list before elections, which the opposition fears could disenfranchise poor and migrant voters.
How have the ruling NDA responded to these allegations?
The ruling NDA has dismissed the concerns raised by the opposition as political propaganda without merit.
What implications could this have for the upcoming Bihar elections?
If these allegations are substantiated, it could significantly affect voter turnout and the legitimacy of the election results.
