Tejashwi hints at possibility of Bihar poll boycott over voter list revision
The ongoing controversy over the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar has taken a new turn with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav hinting at the possibility of the Mahagathbandhan alliance boycotting the upcoming elections. In a recent statement, Tejashwi expressed his concerns over the voter list revision process, which he claimed was being done with “dishonesty”. When asked about the possibility of boycotting the polls, Tejashwi said, “That too can be discussed. We’ll see what the people want and what everyone’s opinion is.”
The special intensive revision of electoral rolls was ordered by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure a clean and fair election process in the state. However, the move has been met with opposition from several political parties, including the RJD, which has alleged that the exercise is being done to disenfranchise certain sections of society.
Tejashwi’s statement has sent shockwaves through the political circles in Bihar, with many interpreting it as a hint at a possible boycott of the polls. The RJD leader’s statement comes at a time when the poll campaign is heating up in the state, with all major parties gearing up for a keen contest.
When asked why the Mahagathbandhan alliance would consider boycotting the polls, Tejashwi said, “When everything has already been decided with dishonesty…then what’s the point of having an election?” His statement is seen as a veiled attack on the BJP-led NDA government in the state, which is accused of manipulating the electoral process to its advantage.
The controversy over the voter list revision has been raging for several weeks, with the Opposition parties accusing the Election Commission of being biased towards the ruling party. The EC has, however, maintained that the exercise is being conducted in a transparent and impartial manner.
The special intensive revision of electoral rolls is aimed at updating the voter list and removing duplicate and fake entries. However, the Opposition parties have alleged that the exercise is being used to disenfranchise certain sections of society, including migrant workers and students who have returned to their native places.
The Bihar elections are due to take place in October and November this year, with the Mahagathbandhan alliance seeking to oust the BJP-led NDA government from power. The alliance, which includes the RJD, Congress, and CPI-ML, has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with several opinion polls predicting a close contest between the two alliances.
The possibility of a boycott by the Mahagathbandhan alliance could have significant implications for the poll outcome in Bihar. If the alliance decides to boycott the polls, it could lead to a low voter turnout, which could benefit the BJP-led NDA government.
The Election Commission has already taken cognizance of the controversy over the voter list revision and has announced a series of measures to ensure a free and fair election process. However, the Opposition parties remain skeptical about the EC’s intentions and have demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.
In the backdrop of the controversy, Tejashwi’s statement has sent a strong message to the Election Commission and the ruling party, signaling that the Mahagathbandhan alliance is not willing to back down without a fight. The statement has also heightened the political temperature in Bihar, with the poll campaign set to intensify in the coming days.
As the Bihar elections draw near, it remains to be seen whether the Mahagathbandhan alliance will go ahead with the boycott or decide to contest the polls. One thing is certain, however – the controversy over the voter list revision has added a new layer of complexity to the poll campaign, making it difficult for any party to predict the outcome with certainty.
