Tejashwi Yadav Questions Electoral Roll Accuracy in Bihar

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav expressed concern on March 15, 2024, over the absence of his name from the recently published Bihar draft electoral roll. During a press conference, he demonstrated the issue by using the Election Commission’s mobile application, which returned a message stating, “No records found with username – RAB2916120.”

Yadav, a prominent figure leading the opposition in Bihar, questioned how he would be able to contest in upcoming elections without his name on the electoral list. He stated, “My name is not there in the electoral roll. Ab chunav kaise ladenge?” [How will I contest the elections?]

In response to Yadav’s claims, the Election Commission quickly provided clarification. They shared a PDF document that included the names of all voters in the Digha Assembly constituency, revealing that Yadav’s name was indeed listed as serial number 416 among a total of 805 voters. This development underscores the challenges that political figures may face in the electoral process, particularly in ensuring their eligibility.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding voter registration and accessibility in India. As the election season approaches, the accuracy of electoral rolls becomes critical for candidates and voters alike. The Election Commission’s prompt response aims to address any misinformation and reassure the public about the integrity of the electoral process in Bihar.

Yadav’s situation serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying one’s registration status ahead of elections, particularly in a politically charged environment. As the political landscape continues to evolve, transparency and clarity in electoral processes remain paramount.