Did Pappu Yadav Really Call the Election Commission ‘Bhathiyara and Peon Commission’?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pappu Yadav's remarks have sparked controversy regarding the Election Commission's independence.
- The term 'Bhathiyara' has dual implications in Bihar's socio-political landscape.
- The ongoing voter list revision process is under scrutiny.
- Public reaction could shape the political dynamics ahead of elections.
- Advocacy for the marginalized community is crucial amidst these discussions.
Patna, July 11 (NationPress) Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, has ignited a significant controversy by labeling the Election Commission as a “Bhathiyara Commission” and “Peon Commission”, alleging that it operates under the sway of the BJP and RSS. His comments were made during a visit to Darbhanga amidst the ongoing debate surrounding the revisions of the voter list in Bihar.
“We are not in the era of TN Seshan and KJ Rao, when the Election Commission was truly independent,” Yadav remarked, asserting, “Today, they seem to be nothing more than peons for the BJP and RSS,” he claimed.
He expressed skepticism about the timing and purpose behind the voter list revision, stating, “We are advocating for the 2.25 crore citizens of Bihar. Wasn't the voter list established just six months ago? Did leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee or Narendra Modi ascend to the Prime Minister position under such circumstances? We trust the Supreme Court will side with the underprivileged,” he added.
When questioned about an incident during the Bihar Bandh on July 9, where he was reportedly obstructed from boarding a protest vehicle in Patna, Yadav played down the incident. “We are fighting for the dignity of Bihar. What significance does it hold if Pappu Yadav is disrespected? I’ve faced both respect and insult since childhood. I’m prepared to endure it countless times if it benefits Bihar and its people,” he stated.
This protest saw participation from prominent leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Mukesh Sahani, Dipankar Bhattacharya, and D. Raja, who marched atop a lorry transformed into a chariot.
Yadav, who attempted to join the leaders at the Income Tax roundabout in Patna, later clarified that accounts of his misbehavior were exaggerated and that he had merely fallen into the crowd.
Afterward, Yadav visited Simri village in Darbhanga to meet with the family of a deceased individual, maintaining his outreach efforts in the state on Thursday, where he made those remarks about the Election Commission.
His use of the term “Bhathiyara” has faced backlash. In colloquial Bihar, it suggests ineffectiveness or passivity. However, “Bhathiyara” also refers to a marginalized community recognized among the most backward classes in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
As per the 2023 caste-based survey, this community comprises just over 27,000 individuals in Bihar, the majority of whom are landless and facing economic hardships.