RJD leader and Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav.
Credit: PTI
A day before the Bihar election results, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Thursday levelled serious allegations against senior officials in Patna on , accusing them of instructing district authorities to deliberately slow down counting in constituencies where the party is leading, while expediting the process in NDA strongholds.
The party claimed that the move was intended to create “psychological pressure” by projecting an early lead for the NDA through sections of the media.
In a strongly worded statement, the RJD warned that the identities of such officials had been “ascertained” and cautioned them to “mend their ways” or prepare for “harsh punishment.”
The claim has sparked a heated debate online, with several users alleging that such tactics are to 'hijack the state's democracy through data manipulation' not new to Bihar’s electoral landscape.
The opposition INDIA bloc in Bihar, led by its Chief Ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav, also voiced apprehensions of a “conspiracy” during the counting process, allegedly orchestrated at the behest of the ruling NDA.
At a press conference held hours before counting began, Yadav—flanked by CPI-ML (Liberation) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya and AICC in-charge for Bihar Krishna Allavaru—appealed to the Election Commission to ensure “impartiality” in the counting of votes.
Recalling the 2020 assembly elections, Yadav said: “The Mahagathbandhan was certain to form the government, but for manipulations by pliant officials. This time, those who cross the limit, or act on the direction of any political leadership, must realise they are committing a wrong. They must ensure impartial counting.”
Emphasising that the “people’s mandate must be respected,” Yadav added, “We know that people have decided to oust the NDA government. We are aware that officials are getting directions from Delhi. We suspect that counting may be delayed, but our people are alert. We are winning with a comfortable margin, and we expect the Election Commission to ensure fairness.”