Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad on Wednesday, 7 October sharply criticised the INDIA bloc's march to the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters, asserting that democratic systems leave no room for what he termed anarchic conduct. Speaking from Patna, Prasad argued that the Opposition's failure to follow prescribed protocol made the subsequent confrontation with Delhi Police unavoidable.

JD(U)'s Charge Against the Opposition

'There is no place for anarchy in a democracy,' Prasad said. 'The Election Commission of India issued a press note stating that the formal procedure for MPs seeking a meeting was not followed by the Congress and the Opposition. The situation that arose thereafter is the responsibility of Delhi Police, which is why an FIR has been registered.'

Prasad argued that the Opposition bypassed standard procedure entirely. 'If you wanted to meet the Election Commission, you should have followed the due process. A time should have been scheduled, and then they could have met the CEC. You did not put in an official request. You did not express a desire, but instead you put allegations,' he said, adding that 'the chaos which arose in the aftermath was inevitable.'

Background: The INDIA Bloc March and FIR

The controversy centres on a demonstration by INDIA bloc MPs — led by Indian National Congress (Congress) and allied parties — who marched to the ECI offices reportedly to raise electoral grievances. The ECI subsequently issued a press note stating that the delegation had not followed the formal request procedure for scheduling a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) following the events, though further details of the FIR were not immediately available.

This comes amid a broader pattern of Opposition-government friction over electoral processes and the institutional independence of the ECI — a debate that has intensified ahead of upcoming state assembly elections.

Prasad on 25 Years of Modi in Public Office

Separately, Prasad used the occasion to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years in elected public office — beginning with his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001.

'25 years ago, when PM Narendra Modi took the reins of Gujarat, the situation was difficult; the state was reeling under natural disasters and societal issues. Not only did he fulfil his duties as the Chief Minister, but he also carried the idea of the Gujarat Model and a Vibrant Gujarat which spread throughout the world,' Prasad said.

He credited Modi's tenure with addressing a legacy of 'corruption and scams' from the previous government, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and instability in West Asia. 'India also persevered through global uncertainties. With a better growth rate, we continue to convert challenges into opportunities,' Prasad added.

Political Significance

The JD(U), a key constituent of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has consistently aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on matters of institutional propriety vis-à-vis the Opposition. Prasad's remarks signal that the ruling coalition intends to frame the INDIA bloc's EC march as a breach of process rather than a legitimate democratic protest — a narrative likely to dominate political discourse as election season approaches.

Whether the Opposition responds with fresh formal engagement with the ECI or escalates its campaign will shape the next phase of this standoff.