INDIA Bloc Protests Election Commission’s Alleged Bias in Bihar

Members of the INDIA bloc, including leaders such as Mallikarjun Kharge, Akhilesh Yadav, Abhishek Banerjee, and Kanimozhi, conducted a protest outside the Indian Parliament on March 13, 2024. The demonstration was in response to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, with the coalition accusing the Election Commission of India (ECI) of colluding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to manipulate the electoral process.

During the protest, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi raised concerns over the Election Commission’s request for an affidavit from Rahul Gandhi, questioning the apparent double standards that allowed BJP leaders to avoid similar scrutiny. This sentiment was echoed by Akhilesh Yadav, who criticized the Commission for its alleged direct communication with police officers during the defeat of Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal. Yadav further demanded that the appointments of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and other officials be made without regard to caste affiliations, calling for a more equitable electoral process.

The protest also featured statements from leaders of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Mrityunjay Tiwari accused the Election Commission of acting as a “BJP commission” and condemned its silence regarding controversial comments made by Union Minister Anurag Thakur. Tiwari’s remarks highlighted growing frustrations within the opposition regarding perceived biases in the electoral oversight body.

This protest marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the INDIA bloc and the ruling BJP, particularly in light of the upcoming elections. The INDIA coalition has expressed strong discontent with what they view as a compromised electoral process, calling into question the integrity of the Election Commission and its role in ensuring fair elections.

Political analysts suggest that these allegations and public demonstrations could have a profound impact on voter sentiment in Bihar, a crucial battleground state for both the BJP and the opposition. The INDIA bloc’s actions reflect a broader strategy to unify opposition parties against the BJP, particularly in light of recent electoral challenges and controversies.

The situation in Bihar continues to develop, with both sides preparing for what could be a contentious electoral season. The INDIA bloc’s protest underscores the ongoing struggle over electoral integrity and the role of independent institutions in India’s democracy. As the opposition ramps up its efforts to challenge the ruling party, the implications for the electoral landscape remain significant.