Controversy Flares as Congress Names Observers for Bihar Elections Amidst EC Criticism

The Congress party announced on Sunday the appointment of 58 observers for the looming Bihar assembly elections. In a statement shared on social media, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge confirmed the list's approval as the state gears up for the polls slated for later this year.

Prominent names among the designated observers include Amba Prasad, Wg Cdr Anuma Acharya, and others, signaling the party's strategic preparation for the electoral battle ahead. This timely move comes as the Election Commission kicks off its 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) to ensure voter eligibility in each constituency.

However, opposition leaders, including RJD's Manoj Kumar Jha and TMC's Derek O'Brien, have slammed the EC's SIR exercise, alleging it targets marginalized communities such as dalits and Muslims. The criticism echoes broader concerns that the initiative is a covert attempt to implement the contentious National Register of Citizens (NRC) through indirect means, potentially disenfranchising significant voter segments.

(With inputs from agencies.)