Political Tensions Mount as Election Commission Faces Allegations of Bias Ahead of Bihar Elections

Congress MP and Deputy Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday, criticizing its perceived evasion of accountability as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise was conducted hastily in Bihar. Gogoi accused the Commission of operating under biased officials and failing to consult with various political parties prior to the SIR drive, especially regarding the rapid addition of 70 lakh voters after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra concluded.

Highlighting his concerns at a press conference at the Constitution Club of India, Gogoi questioned the ECI's silence on pivotal issues. He emphasized the critical role of the right to vote in sustaining democracy, attributing significant importance to the ECI's duty to safeguard this right. Gogoi raised critical questions about discrepancies in the electoral process and the ECI's inadequate response to concerns from various political parties nationwide.

Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's recent press conference, said to have sidelined opposition concerns, served only to stoke the fire further. Kumar rejected allegations of voter manipulation while urging Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to provide a signed affidavit or apologize for claims of bias. The escalating war of words reflects the mounting political tensions as the Bihar assembly elections approach.

(With inputs from agencies.)