PATNA: RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate, Tejashwi Yadav, on Sunday expressed concern over the integrity of the electoral process in Bihar, raising questions about VVPAT slips reportedly found scattered on a road in Samastipur’sSarairanjan constituency.
Speaking to reporters in Patna, Yadav also questioned why the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not released gender-wise voter turnout data for the first phase of polling.
“It’s been almost three days since the first phase of elections. Yet, even after three days, the Election Commission has not disclosed the male and female voter turnout. Why are these figures being hidden?” he asked.
The RJD leader also sought clarification from the ECI on the VVPAT slips found scattered on the streets and alleged that CCTV cameras at a strong room were shut down.
Earlier in the day, the RJD claimed that CCTV cameras had remained off for nearly half an hour in the strong room of Samastipur.
“The Election Commission and local administration, mired in corruption, are making absurd excuses like power failure, low battery, TV sleep mode, or lack of a generator. The credibility and integrity of these officials are zero!” the party wrote on X.
With campaigning for the second phase of polling in Bihar concluding today, Yadav said the public mood was favourable for the Mahagathbandhan.
“The people of Bihar have voted for change, and they will do the same on November 11,” he said.
He also highlighted the achievements of the 17-month RJD-led government in Bihar, which collapsed after Nitish Kumar broke away from the Mahagathbandhan and rejoined the BJP-led NDA.
“Whether it’s the Prime Minister or any other minister, no one is talking about the reservations we provided during our 17-month government. The Prime Minister has taken away 65% of the people’s reservation. They should talk about what they have given to Bihar and Gujarat,” he added.
Agencies