Patna: Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the state government, alleging that a systematic attempt to dismantle democracy is being made from Bihar—the very land known as the cradle of democracy.
Speaking at a press meet organised by the Grand Alliance, Tejashwi claimed that instead of voters choosing the government, the government is now trying to “choose its voters.” He accused the ruling party of using the ongoing voter list revision to manipulate the electoral process and deprive people of their rights and access to government schemes.
He said a conspiracy is underway to erase citizens from the electoral rolls, especially the marginalised, under the guise of intensive voter verification. Tejashwi added that the ruling BJP, instead of safeguarding democratic rights, is backing the Election Commission’s actions to silence civil voices.
Referring to a 700-page affidavit filed by the Election Commission in the Supreme Court, Tejashwi pointed out that there is no evidence of foreign voters, despite repeated claims made by BJP leaders and Deputy CM Vijay Sinha. Instead, the affidavit reportedly states that over 50 lakh voters are either deceased or untraceable, raising fears that 50–80 lakh names could be deleted from the electoral roll.
He also criticised the conduct of the ruling ministers in the Assembly, saying they made light of a serious issue when he raised it formally, with the Speaker’s permission. “This is not just about voter lists, it’s about dismantling democracy from within,” he said.
