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Key Points

JD-U issued a show-cause notice to MP Girdhari Yadav for publicly criticising the Election Commission’s voter list revision. The party accused him of violating discipline and aiding opposition narratives. Yadav defended his remarks, questioning the timing of the revision and asserting his right to speak freely. The controversy highlights rising tensions in Bihar over electoral roll updates.

Key Points: JD-U Issues Show-Cause Notice to MP Girdhari Yadav Over EC Remarks

  • JD-U reprimands MP for public EC criticism
  • Notice cites breach of party discipline
  • Yadav called SIR a "Tughlaqi decree"
  • Opposition alleges voter disenfranchisement in Bihar
3 min read

Bihar: JD-U issues show-cause notice to MP Girdhari Yadav for criticising EC

JD-U disciplines MP Girdhari Yadav for criticising Election Commission’s voter list revision, citing party line violation and opposition alignment risks.

"If we cannot speak the truth, why are we MPs? – Girdhari Yadav"

Patna, July 24

A day after JD-U MP from Banka, Girdhari Yadav, publicly criticised the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, the Janata Dal (United) issued a show-cause notice to him for making statements “beyond the party line.”

The notice was issued on Thursday from the office of Afaque Ahmad Khan, JD-U’s National General Secretary and MLC, and references Girdhari Yadav’s remarks made within Parliament premises. Quoting his statements, the notice states: “Expressing your views on the 'Special Intensive Revision' of Electoral Rolls being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) was not appropriate. You are well aware that under Article 324 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the ECI has ordered this revision in Bihar.”

It further highlights that opposition parties, frustrated by electoral setbacks, are running sustained campaigns to discredit the ECI and EVMs. The JD-U has consistently supported the ECI and EVM usage, both during its time in the INDIA alliance and now as part of the NDA.

Girdhari Yadav’s comments on such a sensitive issue, particularly in an election year, “cause embarrassment to the party” and “inadvertently lend credibility” to the opposition’s “baseless and politically motivated allegations.” The JD-U clarified that Girdhari Yadav’s conduct is a lapse in discipline and not in consonance with the Janata Dal (United)’s stated position.

“He has been asked to respond within 15 days of receiving the notice, failing which disciplinary action may be initiated,” the notice said.

On Wednesday, Girdhari Yadav criticised the Election Commission, calling its decision on SIR a “Tughlaqi decree” and alleging it lacked practical knowledge about Bihar’s history and geography. “If the Election Commission had to get this done, it should have done it six months ago, not during the farming and rainy season. It took us ten days to collect the papers. My son is in America. How will he sign within a month?” Yadav said.

While clarifying that the party supports the SIR, Yadav said he was expressing personal views as an MP. “We will vote with the party, but I also have my own views. If you think this is against the party, so be it, but this is the truth. If we cannot speak the truth, why are we MPs?” he said.

His remarks came amid rising tension in Bihar over the SIR, with opposition parties alleging voter disenfranchisement, while the ruling NDA defends the revision to clean up electoral rolls.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As a Banka resident, I support Yadav ji. He spoke truth about practical difficulties in SIR. Farmers can't leave fields during rainy season. EC should have planned better timing. Our MP did right by raising people's issues!
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Aman W
This shows how democracy is weakening. If elected MPs can't express ground realities, who will? "Tughlaqi decree" might be strong words but EC's timing IS questionable. JD-U should listen to its own leaders' concerns.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see internal party dynamics. In Western democracies, politicians often dissent within parties. But Indian parties demand more discipline. Cultural difference or need for stronger party systems?
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Vikram M
Typical political drama before elections! All parties do voter list manipulation. Now they're fighting over who does it better. Common man suffers in this tamasha. EC should be completely autonomous.
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Kavya N
Yadav ji raised valid points about NRI voters. My brother in Dubai is struggling with documents too. But calling it "Tughlaqi" was too much. Could have been more diplomatic while keeping party dignity.

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