What Caused the Controversy Over Trump's Residential Certificate in Bihar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Application filed for Trump’s certificate was rejected.
- FIR lodged against unknown individual.
- Political leaders criticize Election Commission.
- Previous irregularities highlight administrative lapses.
- Integrity of electoral process questioned.
Patna, Aug 6 (NationPress) In a strange and concerning turn of events during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Bihar, an application for a residential certificate purportedly for US President Donald Trump was submitted in Samastipur district, leading the authorities to dismiss the request and file an FIR.
As stated by the Samastipur district administration, the dubious application was received on July 29, 2025, at the Public Service Centre in Mohiuddin Nagar Block, registered under application number BRCCO/2025/17989735.
The applicant falsely asserted residence in Village Hasanpur, Ward No. 13, under Bakarpur Post and Mohiuddin Nagar Police Station.
Upon investigation, officials discovered that the photo, Aadhaar number, barcode, and address linked to the application had been manipulated.
On August 4, 2025, the Circle Officer of Mohiuddin Nagar rejected the application.
Authorities suspect this act was a calculated effort to undermine the voter list revision process overseen by the Election Commission.
An FIR has been filed against an unidentified individual at the Cyber Police Station in Samastipur, with further inquiry recommended.
“No certificate was issued in the name of Donald Trump. It was a mischievous endeavor, and legal steps have been initiated,” an official remarked.
This incident has sparked significant political backlash. Notable leaders, including Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra and Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, criticized the Election Commission, questioning the reliability of the SIR process in Bihar.
They contended that such occurrences highlight serious administrative deficiencies.
This is not the first occurrence of such antics.
Previously, a residential certificate was issued in the name of 'Dog Babu' by a Circle Officer in Patna’s Masaurhi area, resulting in the termination of one staff member and suspension of another.
These ongoing irregularities have raised substantial concerns regarding the credibility of the verification processes employed during the voter list revision, especially with the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar.