RJD MP Challenges Election Commission Over Voter Data Transparency
Just one day before the crucial second and final phase of Bihar Assembly elections, Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Kumar Jha has launched a significant challenge against the Election Commission of India. On Monday, the parliamentarian formally wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner expressing serious concerns about the non-release of gender-wise voter turnout data from the first phase of polling conducted on November 6.
Demand for Democratic Transparency
In his strongly worded letter, Jha emphasized that transparent and timely dissemination of electoral data serves as a fundamental pillar of a healthy democracy. The RJD representative pointed out that in recent election cycles, the Commission has repeatedly failed to meet this essential standard by withholding crucial information that the public, analysts, and civil society organizations depend upon to evaluate the inclusiveness and fairness of the electoral process.
Jha specifically highlighted that the absence of gender-disaggregated turnout figures undermines public confidence in the integrity of the entire electoral system. This lack of data transparency prevents proper assessment of how different segments of the population, particularly women, are participating in the democratic exercise.
Immediate Action Demanded
The RJD MP has made two clear demands from the Election Commission. First, he has called for the immediate release of gender-wise voter turnout data for the Phase 1 polling that covered 121 constituencies across 18 districts. Second, he has requested a clear, written explanation for the delay in publishing these statistics, along with details about steps being taken to prevent similar data lapses for the upcoming final phase.
Jha argued that prompt action on this matter would demonstrate the Commission's commitment to openness, accountability, and the fundamental democratic principle that citizens have a right to know how they have exercised their franchise. This demand comes against the backdrop of Bihar witnessing its highest voter turnout (64.66%) since 1951 in the first phase.
As the state prepares for the final phase on Tuesday where 122 Assembly seats will go to the polls, the controversy over data transparency adds another dimension to the already intense electoral battle in Bihar.
