Quick Summary
- Tejashwi Yadav’s Appeal: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and leader of Opposition in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, has written letters to 35 leaders seeking support against the ongoing Special intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of electoral rolls in Bihar.
- Concerns Over Disenfranchisement: Yadav alleged that large-scale disenfranchisement is taking place, undermining democratic foundations. According to an Election Commission press note dated July 16, about 4.5% were excluded for “not being found at their addresses,” and another 4% are deemed deceased or permanently shifted-perhaps leading to a disenfranchisement figure between 12%-15%.
- Targeted Leaders: Letters have been sent to national opposition figures like Rahul Gandhi and CPI-(ML)’s Dipankar Bhattacharya, central ruling coalition members such as Chirag Paswan and Anupriya Patel, as well as state leaders including Nitish Kumar.
- Critique on election commission: He accused the EC of non-clarity, mishandling the process arbitrarily, and targeting individuals demanding accountability.
- Calls for Resistance: Yadav urged nationwide resistance to prevent similar exercises from being conducted in other states.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Tejashwi Yadav’s allegations highlight critically important concerns regarding transparency and procedural integrity within India’s electoral system. democratic participation through voting is regarded as basic; hence any disenfranchisement-especially on a scale approximating up to 15%-raises serious questions about inclusivity. Such exercises by institutions like the Election Commission demand rigorous scrutiny as public trust underpins their credibility.
The broader implications extend beyond Bihar if systemic flaws remain unaddressed-a point underscored by past controversies during Maharashtra elections. Calls for collective resistance signal rising political anxiety across party lines. While disagreements over data accuracy persist publicly, ensuring an impartial review of this process could provide clarity without eroding institutional trust further.
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