🗳️ Bihar Election 2025: Tejashwi Yadav Targets EC Over Voter Data Silence
As Bihar gears up for the second phase of its high-stakes Assembly Election 2025, political tensions have escalated. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial face, Tejashwi Yadav, has launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission (EC), accusing it of withholding crucial voter turnout data from the first phase of polling held on November 6.
📊 “Why Hide the Numbers?”: Tejashwi Questions EC’s Transparency
Speaking at a press conference on November 10, just a day before the second phase of voting, Tejashwi Yadav expressed serious concerns over the EC’s delay in releasing gender-wise and constituency-wise voter turnout data.
“It’s been four days since the first phase of voting, and yet the Election Commission has not made the data public. Why this secrecy?” he asked.
🔍 Key Allegations by Tejashwi Yadav:
- Delayed Data Disclosure: EC has not released detailed turnout figures even after 96 hours.
- Manual Updates Missing: Earlier, data used to be shared manually on the same day.
- Transparency Concerns: Alleged that the delay raises doubts about electoral fairness.
🛡️ “EC Is Shielding BJP”: Allegations of Institutional Bias
Tejashwi didn’t stop at data concerns. He went further to allege that the Election Commission is acting as a “tool” of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“The EC is no longer an independent body. It has become a shield for BJP’s wrongdoings,” he claimed.
He accused the Commission of:
- Favoring BJP in deployment of security forces
- Ignoring democratic norms
- Suppressing voter information to manipulate narratives
🚨 Security Forces Controversy: “Why Only BJP-Ruled States?”
Tejashwi also raised questions about the deployment of central forces for election duty. He pointed out that a majority of the security personnel and police observers have been sourced from BJP-ruled states.
📌 His Claims Include:
- 208 companies of security forces deployed from BJP-governed states.
- 68% of police observers also from BJP-ruled regions.
- No deployment from states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, or Jharkhand, which are governed by opposition parties.
“Why were forces not called from non-BJP states? Is this a coincidence or a calculated move?” he asked.
🗓️ Bihar Election 2025: Phase-Wise Voting Snapshot
📅 Election Timeline:
- Phase 1: November 6 – 121 constituencies
- Phase 2: November 11 – 122 constituencies
- Counting Day: November 14
🧾 Voter Turnout So Far:
- Phase 1 Turnout: Approx. 65% (as per preliminary estimates)
- Official Data: Still awaited from EC
📣 “Bihar Will Make History”: Tejashwi’s Call to Voters
Despite his criticism of the EC, Tejashwi struck an optimistic tone about the electoral outcome. He asserted that the people of Bihar are ready to “make history” by electing a government focused on employment, education, and development.
🧭 His Vision for Bihar:
- Job Creation: Promised large-scale employment opportunities.
- Education Reform: Emphasis on improving school and college infrastructure.
- Development Agenda: Focus on roads, healthcare, and digital access.
“This time, Bihar won’t just make headlines—it will make progress,” he declared.
🔁 Political Reactions: JDU Hits Back at Tejashwi
Janata Dal (United) leader Ashok Choudhary responded sharply to Tejashwi’s allegations, defending the Election Commission’s decisions.
“Security forces are deployed based on availability and neutrality. When RJD wins in Karnataka or Himachal, they don’t complain,” Choudhary said.
🧷 JDU’s Counterpoints:
- EC’s Autonomy: Decisions made based on logistical ease and force availability.
- No Bias in Deployment: Forces sent from low-conflict zones to ensure peaceful polling.
- Political Opportunism: Accused RJD of “crying foul” anticipating defeat.
🧠 Background: EC’s Role and Past Controversies
The Election Commission of India is constitutionally mandated to conduct free and fair elections. However, in recent years, it has faced criticism from opposition parties over issues like:
- Delayed data releases
- Alleged voter list manipulation
- Selective enforcement of Model Code of Conduct
In Bihar’s case, the EC has yet to respond formally to Tejashwi’s latest accusations.
📌 Election Integrity in Spotlight: What’s at Stake?
With 243 Assembly seats up for grabs, Bihar’s 2025 elections are being closely watched. The Mahagathbandhan, led by RJD, is challenging the NDA alliance, which includes BJP and JDU.
🧮 Key Stakes:
- RJD’s Comeback Bid: Tejashwi aims to reclaim power after 2020 defeat.
- BJP-JDU Alliance: Banking on development and law-and-order record.
- Voter Sentiment: Unemployment, inflation, and migration are top issues.
📚 FAQs: Bihar Election 2025 & Tejashwi’s Allegations
❓ Why did Tejashwi Yadav criticize the Election Commission?
He alleged that the EC delayed releasing voter turnout data and favored BJP in security deployment.
❓ What data is Tejashwi referring to?
Gender-wise and constituency-wise voter turnout data from Phase 1, held on November 6.
❓ What is the EC’s response?
As of now, the EC has not issued a formal statement addressing these allegations.
❓ When is the next phase of voting?
Phase 2 of the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 is scheduled for November 11.
❓ What are the main issues in this election?
Employment, education, development, and transparency in governance.
🧾 Conclusion: A Charged Political Climate Ahead of Phase 2
As Bihar prepares for the second phase of polling, the political atmosphere remains charged. Tejashwi Yadav’s allegations have intensified scrutiny on the Election Commission, raising questions about transparency and institutional neutrality. With voter sentiment hanging in the balance, all eyes are now on November 11.
External Source: Patrika Report
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