“SIR Is Dishonest” Tejashwi Yadav Hints at Poll Boycott, Clashes With Nitish Kumar in Bihar Assembly
RJD leader and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday hinted at a potential opposition boycott of the upcoming elections, alleging that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar is a “dishonest” exercise designed to disenfranchise voters. The dramatic statement came after a bitter war of words with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the floor of the state assembly over the very same issue.
When asked by a news agency if the opposition might collectively decide to boycott the polls, Tejashwi said, “That too can be discussed. We will see what the people want and what everyone’s opinion is.” He added, “When everything has already been decided with dishonesty beforehand… then what’s the point of having an election?”
The BJP immediately fired back, accusing Tejashwi of being scared of an electoral loss. “Tejashwi Yadav’s statement of boycotting the elections reflects his frustration and fear of defeat,” said Bihar BJP spokesperson Neeraj Kumar, adding that the Election Commission is an independent body and the revision is a transparent process.
The turmoil in the Bihar Assembly mirrored chaotic scenes in the national Parliament, where opposition parties have been staging massive protests against the SIR, leading to repeated adjournments of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Earlier in the day, the Bihar assembly was adjourned barely 30 minutes after it convened, following a heated exchange between Tejashwi and the Chief Minister. Wearing a black T-shirt to protest the voter list exercise, Tejashwi was permitted by the Speaker to make a statement.
He argued that the timing of the revision was suspect and claimed that the documents being demanded by the Election Commission were held by only a small fraction of voters. He questioned what would happen to the nearly 4.5 crore migrant residents registered as voters who could have their names struck off if not found at their registered addresses.
An irate Nitish Kumar intervened, shouting, “You are a child. You know nothing of matters like these.” The 75-year-old CM launched a personal attack, stating, “When his (Yadav’s) parents were chief ministers, they did nothing… The only woman who got something was his mother.” He also claimed he left the Mahagathbandhan because Tejashwi was “not performing well” as his deputy.
The escalating confrontation, with members from both sides engaging in a shouting match, forced the Speaker to adjourn the House until 2 pm.
