Should the Public Weigh in on the Chandrashekhar-Owaisi Alliance for Bihar Elections?

Mumbai, July 3 (NationPress) - Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam addressed the potential collaboration between the Azad Samaj Party-Kanshi Ram (ASP) led by Chandrashekhar Azad and Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM for the upcoming Bihar elections, urging the public to consider the possible benefits or drawbacks of supporting these leaders.

In a discussion with IANS, Nirupam stated: "Political parties have the freedom to participate in elections. However, it is crucial for the voters in Bihar to assess the contributions or detriments these leaders might bring, especially those who only show up during election periods."

On the government’s recent decision to lift the ban on social media accounts belonging to Pakistani artists—initially imposed following the Pahalgam terror attack under ‘Operation Sindoor’—Nirupam expressed significant concern.

"Following the Pahalgam attack, the government wisely restricted anti-India accounts that propagated misinformation. Now, these accounts are active again, which raises alarm. Those who spread hatred against India must be blocked once more. The government needs to act swiftly," he urged.

Numerous Pakistani actors, including Hania Aamir, Mahira Khan, Saba Qamar, and Mawra Hocane, had their Instagram profiles visible in India, stirring controversy. However, within 23 hours, these accounts were banned again in India.

In response to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's recent claim of a covert "husband-wife" alliance between the BJP and Congress, Nirupam labeled it as nonsensical.

"Kejriwal, having suffered a significant defeat in Delhi, now speaks as if his fortunes have turned overnight. Only a naive individual would believe that the BJP and Congress could unite," he remarked.

"The BJP has consistently opposed Congress's failed policies. The notion of an alliance between the two parties is not only absurd but also delusional."

Nirupam further criticized Owaisi’s controversial statements regarding shop licensing during the Kanwar Yatra, questioning whether authorities would next instruct people to "remove their pants."

"The Kanwar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage for Shiva followers. Describing it as hooliganism is profoundly disrespectful," Nirupam asserted.

"Just as we honor Muslim sentiments, Hindu sentiments should equally be respected. The tradition of the Kanwar Yatra emphasizes purity and devotion, and such remarks are intolerable."

Taking a jab at the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and the Congress for challenging the voter list revision in Bihar—after voicing similar concerns in Maharashtra—Nirupam accused them of undermining democratic institutions.

“The verdict of the people in Maharashtra, where Congress and Sharad Pawar faced defeat, must be honored. Instead of reflecting on their failures, Congress is making unfounded allegations regarding EVMs and voter lists,” he stated.

“The Election Commission’s procedures are transparent. Every party is given an equitable opportunity. Making hasty accusations is childish and irresponsible. They lost in Maharashtra and are now anticipating defeat in Bihar, prompting these claims,” he concluded.

This follows a delegation of opposition parties lodging a strong protest against the Election Commission's decision to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections.

Represented by an 18-member INDIA bloc delegation, including 11 parties such as Congress, RJD, CPI, CPI(M-L), and the Samajwadi Party, they met with ECI officials at Nirvachan Sadan on Wednesday.

They alleged that the EC's decision was both sudden and ill-timed, potentially affecting marginalized groups and compromising the integrity of the polls.

Rahul Gandhi, intensifying the opposition's position, also called for the release of consolidated, machine-readable digital electoral rolls and CCTV footage from polling booths in Maharashtra, citing concerns over transparency.