The dispute over voter lists in Bihar’s political arena shows no signs of subsiding. Opposition parties are persistently criticizing the Election Commission (EC) and, through this, targeting the BJP. RJD spokesperson Chitaranjan Gagan asserted that despite the passage of eight days within the designated period for claims and corrections, the EC has not provided a proper response to the information sought by the RJD and other members of the India coalition. Instead, the EC continues to reiterate the same points in its letters to the party.
In related news, Rahul Yadav, a well-known social worker, joined the JDU on Friday, along with numerous colleagues and hundreds of young people. State President Umesh Singh Kushwaha welcomed them, granting them primary JDU membership and extending wishes for a prosperous future. Key developments from Bihar’s political landscape are highlighted below.
**1. RJD’s Accusation: Election Commission is Misleading**
RJD spokesperson Chitaranjan Gagan alleged that the Election Commission is misleading the public. Gagan stated that, despite repeated requests, the EC has not provided a category-wise list of voters who have been removed from the draft. The Election Commission, he claims, is attempting to mislead by suggesting that claims or objections made by political parties are insignificant.
The RJD spokesperson further questioned why the EC has not provided the names of the deceased (22,34,501 according to the EC) with their assembly constituencies and polling station numbers. Similarly, he questioned the lack of category-wise lists for transferred, duplicate, and absent voters, asking what basis the Block Level Officers (BLOs) from political parties would have for claims or objections. He argued that the EC’s actions mirrored the manner in which Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, exposed the irregularities of the EC, and suggested a similar, large-scale manipulation is afoot in Bihar in the name of the Systematic Intervention and Rectification (SIR) process.
**2. JDU Announces a Grand Temple at Punauradham**
Umesh Singh Kushwaha, the JDU state president, expressed happiness on Friday over the commencement of the groundbreaking and foundation-laying ceremony for the Maa Sita temple and the integrated development project in Sitamarhi’s Punauradham. The construction of this temple at the birthplace of Maa Janaki, he said, is an unparalleled source of pride not only for Bihar, but for all of India. In the years to come, Punauradham will become a crucial center for faith and culture in India.
The state president disclosed that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar approved Rs 882.87 crore during a state cabinet meeting to facilitate the project. The temple’s construction will revitalize religious tourism and create numerous employment opportunities.
**3. Rakhi Celebrations at Congress Headquarters**
A vibrant Rakhi festival was held on Friday at the Sadaqat Ashram, the state Congress headquarters in the capital city. Sisters from diverse backgrounds celebrated the festival with joy and tied Rakhis to the state Congress president, Rajesh Ram. The festivities began with MLA Pratima Kumari Das, Neetu Singh, and Mahila Congress President Sarwat Jahan Fatma tying Rakhis to Rajesh Ram. Thousands of Rakhis received by post from across the state were tied to Rajesh Ram’s wrist 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. In return, Rajesh Ram gave blessings and affection to all the sisters.
**4. Rahul Yadav, Son of Former MP, Joins JDU**
On Friday, Rahul Yadav, a prominent social worker from Danapur in the capital, along with several associates and hundreds of young people, joined the JDU. State President Umesh Singh Kushwaha welcomed them, granting primary JDU membership and extending wishes for a bright future. Notable leaders, including 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, attended.
Umesh Singh Kushwaha stated that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s youth-oriented vision has attracted young people from across the state to the JDU. He noted that Rahul Yadav comes from a political family with substantial influence in the Danapur area.
**5. Free Travel for Women and Students on August 9th and 10th**
The Bihar government announced a generous gift for mothers and sisters on the occasion of 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. Women and female students can travel without charge on the Pink, Ordinary, and Deluxe buses operated by the corporation.
**6. Santosh Suman: A Conspiracy to Undermine Democracy**
Dr. Santosh Suman, the National President of HAM (S.) and Minister of State for Minor Water Resources, said that the ongoing attacks by Rahul Gandhi on the Election Commission are an attempt to create an atmosphere of distrust within 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 stated 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.