With the Bihar Assembly elections approaching, allegations and counter-allegations among political parties have gained momentum in the poll-bound state.
Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav strongly criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday, calling it "puppet-like" while condemning the poll body for its inaction against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent ruling party leaders.
In an interview with news agency ANI, Tejashwi addressed electoral revision matters before the state elections, alleging the ECI was denying opposition parties meeting opportunities.
"We have repeatedly requested to meet the Election Commission with our delegation," he stated. "It's unprecedented that in a state heading for elections, the opposition can't secure a meeting with the ECI. These officials seem determined to undermine democracy and dismantle constitutional principles."
The RJD leader claimed the ECI would reportedly avoid meeting alliance delegations collectively, instead summoning parties separately - a move he questioned as suspicious.
Launching a scathing attack, Tejashwi remarked,"The Election Commission appears to have become 'Modi's Commission'. Both BJP and Nitish Kumar remain silent because they're losing ground, and the ECI is covertly assisting them. Never before has the Commission denied meeting time to political parties. They advocate 'One Nation, One Election', yet can't conduct fair elections in a single state. Facing our unanswered questions, they avoid engagement. Why has the Election Commissioner turned into some 'Mr India' figure?"
Expressing deeper concerns, the RJD leader warned of potential future central intervention, "There are fears the Centre might impose President's Rule to seize complete control."
Tejashwi Yadav levelled serious accusations, "The ECI has consistently failed to act against PM Modi and other senior leaders for their campaign speeches."
The Assembly elections in the state is expected to be conducted in the months of October or November this year.
