Patna, July 24: Amid growing controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Bihar, Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday issued a stern warning, suggesting that the Mahagathbandhan alliance may consider boycotting the upcoming state elections if the revision process is not halted.

Speaking to the media, Yadav criticized the timing and intent of the SIR exercise. “When these same voters supported Prime Minister Modi in previous elections and helped form the government, there was no issue. But now, suddenly, there is a need for a voter list revision?” he questioned. “It clearly suggests that those in power are admitting they won earlier through dishonest means, and now they want to repeat it.”

He alleged that the names of lakhs of voters were deliberately being targeted for deletion and accused the ruling party of manipulating the democratic process. “If the government has already decided to act dishonestly, then we—meaning all parties in the Mahagathbandhan—might consider boycotting the elections. That option is very much on the table,” Yadav said.

He added that he would hold discussions with other alliance partners to decide on the next steps. “What is the point of elections if citizens in a democracy are not allowed to vote?” he asked, warning that the crucial phase of the revision would occur after August 1, during the scrutiny process.

Yadav also alleged that Bihar is being "remote-controlled" from New Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah directing the voter roll revision process.

On Thursday, opposition leaders staged a protest outside the Bihar Assembly, voicing strong opposition to the SIR exercise, which they claim is politically motivated ahead of the state elections scheduled later this year.

(With agency inputs)

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