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Key Points

Opposition parties lashed out at the Election Commission for dismissing their vote theft claims in Bihar. Congress leader Pawan Khera challenged the EC to stop alleged electoral fraud before silencing critics. RJD MP Manoj Jha accused the poll body of evading key questions, calling its press conference meaningless. The controversy deepened with allegations of BJP accessing confidential voter data.

Key Points: Opposition Slams EC Over Vote Theft Claims in Bihar Row

  • Congress accuses EC of favoring BJP in vote theft row
  • RJD calls EC presser an eyewash with no answers
  • Pawan Khera questions missing Mahadevapura votes
  • Opposition alleges privacy breach over digital voter lists
2 min read

'Stealing not considered sin but calling someone a thief is': Opposition slams EC over authentication appeal  

Congress and RJD accuse Election Commission of bias after it dismisses "vote chori" allegations, demanding transparency in Bihar SIR controversy.

"Stealing is not considered a sin, but calling someone a thief is? – Pawan Khera"

New Delhi, Aug 17

Congress-led opposition parties hit back at the Election Commission on Sunday, over its appeal to authenticate their "vote chori" claims by filing a supporting affidavit and also termed its elaborate media address on the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) controversy a mere eyewash.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, flanked by senior EC officials, held a press conference in the capital and claimed that deliberate attempts were being made to fearmonger and misguide the voters of Bihar, apparently by opposition parties. It also stated that such fearmongering won’t deter it from pursuing and implementing laid-down protocols.

Replying to the CEC’s presser, Congress accused it of being partisan towards the ruling party, while the RJD said that its clarification was devoid of any substance.

Congress leader Pawan Khera, in a strong rebuttal, said: "Stealing is not considered a sin, but calling someone a thief is? Stop the theft, and we will stop calling you thieves. Why hasn’t anyone given an account of one lakh votes from Mahadevapura?"

Further accusing it breach of privacy, he said: "(BJP leader) Anurag Thakur is carrying digital voter lists of six constituencies—where did he get them from? Isn’t that a breach of privacy? Did the Election Commission issue him a notice? No. But when it comes to CCTV footage, you say it violates privacy..."

RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said: "No answers were given. Not a single question was answered. Maybe someone told them to hold the press conference because it was becoming embarrassing. So, they went ahead, but what was achieved? Which question did they actually answer? Forget the political parties—the voters are not convinced by your behaviour and conduct."

"Logic cannot be used to justify opacity. Opacity means lack of transparency. The biggest concern is that the Election Commission appears neither impartial nor neutral. This should be a matter of serious concern for you."

Purnia MP Pappu Yadav said, "The EC has no understanding of the Constitution or Babasaheb’s (B.R. Ambedkar) ideas. After indulging in theft and robbery, will they speak about the Constitution?"

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aditi M
Pawan Khera makes a strong point - if EC is so concerned about allegations, why not investigate the actual voting irregularities first? The Mahadevapura case needs answers!
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Sarah B
While I understand the opposition's frustration, shouldn't all parties provide evidence before making serious allegations? Both sides need to maintain democratic decorum.
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Vikram M
EC's credibility is at stake here. When they don't act against ruling party violations but are quick to question opposition, public trust erodes. Democracy needs strong, impartial institutions.
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Priyanka N
The digital voter list issue is serious! How can BJP leaders access such sensitive data? EC should explain this instead of holding press conferences against opposition.
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Michael C
As an observer, I find it concerning that India's election body is being questioned so strongly. Healthy democracies need trusted electoral processes.
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Karthik V
Pappu Yadav's comment about Ambedkar is spot on! EC must remember they're guardians of constitutional values, not any political party's agents. Jai Bhim! ✊

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