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Bihar Polls: RJD's Power Cut Claims Amid ECI's Rigging Denial

The RJD has made serious allegations about deliberate power cuts affecting voting in Bihar's assembly elections. They claim this is specifically targeting Mahagathbandhan strongholds to slow down the voting process. However, the Election Commission has firmly rejected these accusations as completely baseless and misleading. Meanwhile, election officials are closely monitoring the entire process through advanced surveillance systems to ensure fairness.

Key Points: RJD Alleges Voting Slowdown as ECI Denies Bihar Poll Rigging

  • RJD alleges power cuts targeting Mahagathbandhan strongholds during voting
  • Election Commission dismisses claims as baseless and misleading propaganda
  • Bihar CEO confirms voting proceeding smoothly across all polling stations
  • ECI teams monitor polling through control rooms and CCTV surveillance
2 min read

Bihar polls: RJD alleges attempt to slow down voting, ECI rubbishes 'malicious' charge

RJD claims deliberate power cuts at Mahagathbandhan strongholds during Bihar elections, while Election Commission dismisses allegations as baseless and misleading propaganda.

"Electricity is being cut off intermittently at the strong booths of the Mahagathbandhan with the intention of slowing down the voting - RJD"

New Delhi, Nov 6

Amid the ongoing voting for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections covering 121 seats across 18 districts, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) alleged a 'deliberate and malicious' attempt to harm the electoral prospects of the Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Cong-Left alliance). The 'baseless' charge received a swift response from the Election Commission of India (ECI), which dismissed the allegations as 'frivolous and misleading'.

Tejashwi Yadav-led RJD claimed that the strongholds of Mahagathbandhan are being 'targeted' by cutting off electricity at its polling booths, where its supporters have gathered in large numbers to cast their votes.

"Electricity is being cut off intermittently at the strong booths of the Mahagathbandhan with the intention of slowing down the voting. Slow voting is being deliberately caused," the RJD claimed in a post on X.

It also urged the ECI to take immediate cognisance of such "rigging with malicious intent and mala fide intentions" and take prompt action.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar was quick to reject the RJD's charges as misleading and misguiding.

It said that voting was underway smoothly and seamlessly in all polling booths of Bihar and added that all standard protocols are being followed to ensure that the voting process is fair, transparent, and uninterrupted.

"This allegation is completely baseless and misleading. There is no basis for such misleading propaganda," Bihar CEC said, refuting RJD's charges.

Meanwhile, various ECI teams are keeping close watch on polling from various control rooms, set up to monitor its smooth conduct.

The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and both Election Commissioners are also monitoring CCTVs installed in all polling stations from the Control Room, marking a first in electoral history.

The voting began at 7 a.m. at all polling stations in Assembly constituencies and will see the fate of 1,314 candidates, including 1,192 men and 122 women, being sealed for the first phase.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Bihar, I've seen these power cuts happen during elections. It's not just coincidence. The ECI should investigate properly instead of just dismissing complaints. Democracy needs transparency!
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Aman W
Both sides making claims and counter-claims. The real issue is whether common people can vote without any hassle. ECI's CCTV monitoring is a good step, but they need to address genuine concerns promptly.
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Sarah B
Living in Patna, I voted today and everything was smooth at my polling station. No power issues. Maybe these are isolated incidents being blown out of proportion for political mileage? 🤔
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Vikram M
RJD should provide specific evidence instead of general allegations. The Election Commission has a tough job managing such a massive exercise. Making vague charges without proof doesn't help anyone.
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Nisha Z
Power cuts in Bihar are common anyway, election or not. But if it's happening specifically in opposition strongholds, that's concerning. Hope ECI takes all complaints seriously and ensures fair polling.

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