Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) National Working President Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday, 29 September renewed his party's demand for restoring ballot papers in elections and scrapping Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), while launching a pointed attack on the Bihar government over the alleged rape and assault of a woman in Begusarai. Yadav made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Patna airport.

The EVM Debate Resurfaces

Yadav stated that the RJD has consistently opposed EVMs since the beginning. 'We have been demanding right from the beginning that ballot papers be brought back, and machines (EVMs) be removed,' he said.

His remarks came a day after former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati advocated holding elections through ballot papers at all levels — from Lok Sabha polls to state Assembly elections. The renewed push reflects a broader opposition chorus that has grown louder in recent weeks.

The ballot paper debate has resurfaced amid ongoing political controversy surrounding the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Several opposition parties have questioned the exercise and cited reports of internal disagreements within the poll panel over certain SIR-related decisions.

Opposition Pressure on Election Commission

Multiple opposition parties have demanded the resignation or removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and pressed for greater scrutiny of the ECI's functioning. These demands followed reports that fellow Election Commissioners had raised objections over decisions linked to the revision process.

The Election Commission has maintained that differences of opinion can arise during internal deliberations and asserted that final decisions were taken unanimously. The Indian National Congress (Congress) and other INDIA bloc constituents have continued pressing for action against Kumar.

Tejashwi Targets Bihar Government Over Begusarai Case

Yadav also used the occasion to attack the Bihar government over the alleged sexual assault of a woman in Begusarai, describing the incident as evidence of deteriorating law and order in the state. He alleged that the woman was assaulted and raped at a hotel and that a video of the incident was subsequently circulated on social media.

The RJD leader questioned the state administration's response and demanded accountability, while also directing political criticism at Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

What Police Say About the Begusarai Incident

According to police, the alleged incident took place on 27 September. The woman, associated with a self-help group, had left home for loan recovery-related work. Investigators said she was allegedly taken to a hotel by a person known to her, where another individual was also present. She subsequently alleged she was sexually assaulted and that a video of the incident was recorded.

The woman later returned home and informed her family, following which a complaint was lodged at the Town Police Station in Begusarai. Police registered an FIR, inspected the scene, and collected forensic evidence. Raids are ongoing to trace the accused. According to police sources, the main accused had not been arrested as of Tuesday, while one other individual named in the case had been taken into custody. The investigation remains active.

Political Context and What Comes Next

Tejashwi's dual offensive — on EVMs and the Begusarai case — underscores the RJD's strategy of keeping the Nitish Kumar-led coalition government under sustained pressure ahead of the next electoral cycle. This is not the first time the opposition has used a law-and-order incident in Bihar to challenge the ruling alliance's governance record. With investigations continuing in Begusarai and the ECI controversy unresolved, both issues are likely to remain flashpoints in Bihar's political landscape in the weeks ahead.