RJD Leader Calls for Cancellation of 2025 Bihar Assembly Election Results
In a significant political development, RJD chief spokesperson Shakti Singh Yadav has demanded that the results of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections be declared null and void. Speaking on Thursday, Yadav alleged that the Election Commission (EC) failed to act as an impartial "referee" during the polls, allowing the ruling NDA to secure victory through unethical means.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractices and EC Bias
Yadav asserted that the NDA's win was facilitated by the distribution of large sums of money among voters, a practice he claims violated election norms. He argued that the demand for cancellation is justified, citing a recent Supreme Court order that observed governments should not announce "gifts and freebies" on the eve of elections. This, he said, sets a precedent for addressing similar issues in Bihar.
The RJD leader further accused the EC of showing favoritism towards the NDA in Bihar. He pointed out that during the assembly elections in Telangana, the EC had intervened to stop the distribution of free gifts, citing violations of the Model Code of Conduct. However, he claimed that similar practices were permitted in Bihar, raising questions about the EC's consistency and impartiality.
Historical Precedents and Legal Grounds
To bolster his argument, Yadav referenced the cancellation of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's election in June 1975, which was annulled on grounds of violating election norms. He emphasized that if such actions were taken in the past, the same should apply to the recent Bihar elections where alleged violations occurred.
Yadav detailed that the NDA not only "captured booths" but also "influenced" voters through inducements in the form of free gifts. He alleged that these actions contravened the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and other election regulations, warranting the annulment of the results.
Broader Implications for Electoral Integrity
The RJD's demand highlights growing concerns about electoral integrity in India. Yadav stressed that the EC's failure to act impartially undermines the democratic process and erodes public trust in electoral institutions. He called for a thorough investigation into the alleged malpractices to ensure fair and transparent elections in the future.
This move by the RJD could spark further political debates and legal challenges, as parties scrutinize the conduct of elections and the role of regulatory bodies. The allegations of money distribution and EC bias add to ongoing discussions about reforming election practices to prevent such issues.
In summary, Shakti Singh Yadav's call to cancel the 2025 Bihar assembly election results centers on claims of EC partiality and NDA's use of financial inducements, drawing on historical and legal precedents to support the demand for electoral accountability.
