The political tensions surrounding the voter lists in Bihar continue to escalate. Opposition parties are relentlessly criticizing the Election Commission (EC) and are using this as a platform to target the BJP. RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan has alleged that even after eight days, the EC has not provided the RJD and its allies in the India coalition with adequate responses to their requests for information. He claims that the EC is merely repeating the same statements in its correspondence.
In related news, Rahul Yadav, a well-known social worker, along with numerous associates and hundreds of young people, joined the JDU on Friday. State President Umesh Singh Kushwaha granted them primary membership and expressed his wishes for a bright future.
**Here are some of the key highlights from the recent developments in Bihar politics:**
**1. RJD’s Claims of EC Misdirection**
RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan accused the Election Commission of misleading. Gagan stated that despite repeated requests, the EC has not provided a category-wise list of removed voters in the released format. Moreover, the EC is attempting to mislead the public by claiming that claims or objections from political parties are negligible.
The RJD spokesperson also questioned the EC’s reluctance to provide the names of deceased voters (22,34,501 as per the EC), including their assembly constituencies and polling station numbers. Similarly, the RJD questioned the lack of category-wise lists for transferred, duplicate, and absent voters, and asked what basis political parties’ BLOs will file claims or objections. The RJD spokesperson stated that the EC’s actions resemble those of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, exposing the EC’s irregularities, and suggesting a larger manipulation is planned in Bihar under the guise of the SIR process.
**2. JDU Announces Maa Janaki Temple in Punauradham**
Umesh Singh Kushwaha, the JDU state president, expressed satisfaction on Friday over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Maa Sita temple and the integrated development project in Sitamarhi’s Punauradham. He stated that the temple’s construction at Maa Janaki’s birthplace represents a unique opportunity for pride not only for Bihar, but for the entire country. He said that Punauradham would become a major center for faith and culture in India.
The state president noted that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar approved Rs 882.87 crore in a state cabinet meeting to support the project. The temple’s construction will revitalize religious tourism and create job opportunities.
**3. Rakhi Celebrations at Congress Headquarters**
A vibrant Rakhi festival was held at the state Congress headquarters in the capital city, Sadaqat Ashram, on Friday. Sisters from diverse backgrounds celebrated the festival with joy and tied Rakhis to the state Congress president, Rajesh Ram. MLA Pratima Kumari Das, Neetu Singh, and Mahila Congress President Sarwat Jahan Fatma initiated the Rakhi celebrations by tying Rakhis to Rajesh Ram. Thousands of Rakhis sent by mail from across the state were tied to Rajesh Ram by the attending sisters.
Rajesh Ram’s wife, Rekha Das, and hundreds of other women were also present. Following the Rakhi ceremony, the women wished the state Congress president longevity, good health, and success in public service. Rajesh Ram gave blessings and affection to all the sisters in return.
**4. Rahul Yadav, Son of Former MP, Joins JDU**
Rahul Yadav, a prominent social worker from Danapur in the capital, along with his associates and many young people, joined the JDU on Friday. State President Umesh Singh Kushwaha granted him primary membership and wished him a bright future. The event was attended by Deputy Leader of the Ruling Party in the Legislative Council Lalan Kumar Sarraf, Chief Whip Sanjay Kumar Singh alias Gandhi Ji, National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, and State General Secretary Chandan Kumar Singh.
Umesh Singh Kushwaha stated that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s youth-focused vision has attracted young people from across the state to the JDU. He added that Rahul Yadav comes from a political family with significant influence in the Danapur area.
**5. Free Travel for Women and Students on August 9th and 10th**
The Bihar government has announced a special gift for mothers and sisters for Raksha Bandhan. Inspired by the Chief Minister, free bus travel will be provided to women and female students on all buses of the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation on August 9th and 10th. This facility will be active from 6 am on August 9th until late evening on August 10th.
**6. Santosh Suman: Concerns about Democracy**
Dr. Santosh Suman, the National President of HAM (S.) and Minister of State for Minor Water Resources, said that Rahul Gandhi’s continuous attacks on the Election Commission are an attempt to create an atmosphere of distrust in the country. He believes that attacking the Election Commission, a constitutional body, is effectively an effort to undermine democracy. Suman stated that Rahul Gandhi’s criticisms have been proven baseless, and the Election Commission has dismissed his allegations. Suman added that Rahul Gandhi should provide a list of fake voters by way of affidavit or apologize for his baseless accusations.
Suman added that Rahul Gandhi, who habitually blames EVMs after every electoral loss, is now attempting to question the entire democratic system of the country by targeting the Election Commission. Suman believes that Rahul Gandhi aims to create an environment of distrust. Suman concluded that the nation needs to prevent this deliberate effort to weaken democracy.