The political atmosphere in Bihar is charged with accusations and counter-accusations surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Tejashwi Yadav, the Leader of the Opposition, has accused the Election Commission of collaborating with the BJP to manipulate votes, specifically alleging that the commission is aiding BJP leaders in acquiring multiple voter ID cards. Meanwhile, JDU leaders have refuted these claims, with Rural Development Minister Shrawan Kumar criticizing the opposition for making unsubstantiated 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, seeking a response by August 16th. These developments highlight the ongoing tensions and controversies in Bihar politics.
Shrawan Kumar, the Bihar government’s Rural Development Minister, criticized the opposition for limiting their political activity to unfounded allegations. He maintained that the opposition’s questioning of the voter revision drive, implemented by the Election Commission to remove deceased and ineligible voters, demonstrated their frustration. The minister emphasized the advancements made in basic amenities such as electricity, education, and healthcare over the past two decades, acknowledging Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s efforts since 2005, which have demonstrably improved the conditions even in rural regions.
JDU National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad strongly criticized the opposition’s negative campaign regarding SIR. He indicated that the Supreme Court’s remarks on SIR not only confirmed its legal validity but also affirmed public trust. The court clarified that the SIR process is in accordance with constitutional values and the Election Commission is authorized to conduct it fairly, without bias or discrimination. The court also stated that Aadhaar and voter ID cards cannot be considered proof of citizenship. He argued that the court’s observations validated the Election Commission’s reform measures, and the opposition’s opposition amounted to a political maneuver.
The Election Commission has issued a notice to Nirmala Devi, the Mayor of Muzaffarpur in Bihar, for allegedly possessing two voter ID cards, and has asked for a response by August 16. Similar notices have been sent to two relatives of Devi, namely Manoj Kumar and Dilip Kumar, who are also alleged to possess voter ID cards from the same constituency. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav had previously accused the Mayor and her relatives of holding multiple voter ID cards.
Tejashwi Yadav accused the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP to facilitate vote theft. He said that the commission is helping BJP leaders obtain multiple voter ID cards. He 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 released by the Election Commission after the initial SIR process should be termed vote robbery. He claimed that the BJP’s prospective candidate for the upcoming assembly elections, the Muzaffarpur Mayor, possesses two voter ID cards from different polling locations in the same constituency, according to the draft electoral roll.
The Bihar government announced a doubling of pensions for JP soldiers. These political activists were imprisoned for supporting Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement during the Emergency. CM Nitish Kumar, who was a key participant in the JP movement, chaired the cabinet meeting that approved this proposal. JP soldiers imprisoned for over six months will now receive a monthly pension of Rs 30,000, up from Rs 15,000, while those serving shorter jail terms will see their pensions increase 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. An NDA meeting was held in Gaya to prepare for the PM’s visit. Representatives from BJP, JDU, LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha attended the meeting and encouraged people to participate in the rally.
Dr. Santosh Suman, the National President of HAM Party, highlighted that PM Modi’s visit to Gaya on August 22 will accelerate development in the region. He emphasized that thousands of party workers are preparing for the PM’s welcome and the success of the rally. Suman added that the PM will inaugurate projects worth Rs 1675 crore for the development of Gaya, including the proposed industrial corridor, which will be a catalyst for Bihar’s growth.