Bihar’s political landscape is marked by significant controversy and accusations, particularly concerning the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Tejashwi Yadav, the opposition leader, has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of colluding with the BJP to facilitate vote theft, alleging that the commission is actively helping BJP leaders obtain multiple voter identification cards. This has been vehemently denied by the ruling JDU, with Rural Development Minister Shrawan Kumar accusing the opposition of making unfounded allegations. The ECI has responded by issuing a notice to the Mayor of Muzaffarpur, a BJP leader, regarding the possession of two voter ID cards, demanding a response by August 16. These events highlight the contentious atmosphere and the evolving narrative within Bihar’s political arena.
Rural Development Minister Shrawan Kumar criticized the opposition, stating their political strategy is reduced to baseless accusations. He stated that the opposition’s criticism of the voter revision drive initiated by the Election Commission, aimed at removing deceased and ineligible voters, demonstrates their frustration. The minister highlighted the advancements in essential services such as electricity, education, and healthcare over the past 20 years, acknowledging Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s role in transforming Bihar since 2005, which has had a noticeable positive effect, even in remote rural areas.
JDU National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad criticized the opposition’s campaign against SIR. He cited the Supreme Court’s stance on SIR, which confirms its legal validity and public confidence. The court clarified that the SIR process adheres to constitutional principles and is being conducted impartially by the Election Commission. Moreover, the court stated that neither Aadhaar nor voter ID cards can serve as definitive proof of citizenship. Prasad maintained that the court’s remarks prove the Election Commission’s reforms are valid and the opposition’s actions are merely a political tactic.
The Election Commission issued a notice to Nirmala Devi, the Mayor of Muzaffarpur, regarding the possession of two voter ID cards, requesting a response by August 16. Notices were also issued to two relatives of Devi, Manoj Kumar and Dilip Kumar, who are also allegedly in possession of voter ID cards from the same constituency. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav previously accused the Mayor and her relatives of holding multiple voter ID cards.
Tejashwi Yadav accused the Election Commission of assisting the BJP with vote theft. He claimed the ECI is aiding BJP leaders in acquiring multiple voter ID cards. Yadav stated that the ECI is colluding with the BJP to manipulate votes in Bihar before the upcoming assembly elections. He stated that the draft electoral roll published by the Election Commission after the initial SIR process should be viewed as an instance of vote theft. He alleged that the BJP’s potential candidate for the upcoming assembly elections, the Muzaffarpur Mayor, has two voter ID cards, each originating from a different polling booth within the same constituency, according to the draft electoral roll.
The Bihar government announced that the pensions for JP soldiers will be doubled. These activists were imprisoned for supporting Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement during the Emergency. This proposal was approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by CM Nitish Kumar, who had been a significant participant in the JP movement since 1974. JP soldiers imprisoned for over six months will now receive a monthly pension of Rs 30,000, increased from Rs 15,000, while those who served shorter jail terms will see their pensions rise from Rs 7,500 to Rs 15,000.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Gaya, Bihar, on August 22, where he is expected to announce several significant development projects for the region. An NDA meeting was convened in Gaya to prepare for the PM’s visit. Attendees included representatives from the BJP, JDU, LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, who encouraged widespread participation in the upcoming rally.
Dr. Santosh Suman, the National President of HAM Party, said that PM Modi’s visit to Gaya on August 22 will help accelerate the region’s development. He mentioned that thousands of party workers are working on preparations for the PM’s arrival and the success of the rally. Suman added that the PM will inaugurate projects worth Rs 1675 crore for Gaya’s development, including the proposed industrial corridor, which will facilitate the growth of Bihar.