The controversy surrounding voter lists in Bihar’s political landscape is showing no signs of resolution. Opposition parties are continuously criticizing the Election Commission (EC) and, using this as an opportunity, are targeting the BJP. RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan alleged that despite the fact that eight days have passed since the deadline for claims and corrections, the EC has not provided an adequate response to the information requested by the RJD and the India coalition parties. Instead, the EC is reportedly repeating the same information in its letters to the party.
In other news, Rahul Yadav, a prominent social worker, along with numerous associates and hundreds of youths, joined the JDU on Friday. State President Umesh Singh Kushwaha granted them primary membership and wished them a successful future.
**Here’s a quick overview of the significant news from Bihar politics:**
**1 – RJD Accuses EC of Misleading**
RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan accused the Election Commission of misleading on Friday. Gagan stated that despite repeated requests, the EC has not provided a category-wise list of removed voters in the released format. Furthermore, the EC is claiming to be misleading the public by asserting that the claims or objections filed by political parties are negligible.
The RJD spokesperson questioned why the EC, which claims to have removed the names of 22,34,501 deceased individuals from the voter list, is reluctant to provide their names, including their assembly constituencies and polling station numbers. Similarly, why are the names of transferred, duplicate, and absent voters not being provided category-wise? He questioned on what basis the political parties’ BLOs will file claims or objections. The RJD spokesperson stated that a conspiracy is underway in Bihar to commit an even bigger scam in the name of the SIR process, similar to how Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, exposed the irregularities of the EC.
**2 – Maa Janaki Temple to be Built in Punauradham: JDU**
Umesh Singh Kushwaha, the state president of Bihar JDU, expressed his delight on Friday at the groundbreaking and foundation stone laying of a grand plan for the Maa Sita temple and overall development in Sitamarhi’s Punauradham. The state president stated that the construction of a grand and divine Sita temple at the birthplace of Maa Janaki is a unique opportunity for pride not only for Bihar but for the entire country. He added that Punauradham will become a new focal point of faith and culture in India.
The state president informed that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar approved Rs 882.87 crore in a state cabinet meeting to facilitate the project. The temple’s construction will revitalize religious tourism and create numerous employment opportunities.
**3 – Rakhi Celebrations at Congress Headquarters**
A grand Rakhi festival was organized on Friday at the state Congress headquarters, Sadaqat Ashram, in the capital. On this occasion, sisters from various regions tied Rakhis to state Congress president Rajesh Ram and celebrated the festival with joy and enthusiasm. MLA Pratima Kumari Das, Neetu Singh, and Mahila Congress President Sarwat Jahan Fatma started the Rakhi festival by tying Rakhi to Rajesh Ram. Thousands of Rakhis received by post from across the state were tied to Rajesh Ram’s wrist by the attending sisters.
Rajesh Ram’s wife, Rekha Das, and hundreds of other women were also present. Following the Rakhi ceremony, the women wished the state Congress president longevity, good health, and success in public service. In return, Rajesh Ram gave blessings and affection to all the sisters.
**4 – Rahul, Son of Former MP, Joins JDU**
Rahul Yadav, a prominent social worker, along with his many associates and hundreds of youths, joined the JDU on Friday. State President Umesh Singh Kushwaha granted him primary membership and wished him a bright future. Notable leaders, including Deputy Leader of the Ruling Party in the Legislative Council Lalan Kumar Sarraf, Chief Whip Sanjay Kumar Singh alias Gandhi Ji, National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, and State General Secretary Chandan Kumar Singh, attended.
Umesh Singh Kushwaha stated that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s youth-oriented vision has attracted young people from across the state to the JDU. He noted that Rahul Yadav comes from a political family with substantial influence in the Danapur area.
**5 – Free Travel on August 9th and 10th**
The Bihar government has given a gift to mothers and sisters on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Free bus travel will be provided to women and female students on all buses of the Bihar State Road Transport Corporation on August 9th and 10th, inspired by the Chief Minister. Women and female students can travel without charge on the Pink, Ordinary, and Deluxe buses operated by the corporation. This facility will be applicable from 6 am on August 9th to late evening on August 10th.
**6 – Santosh Suman: A Conspiracy to Weaken Democracy**
Dr. Santosh Suman, the National President of HAM (S.) and Minister of State for Minor Water Resources, stated that Rahul Gandhi’s continuous attacks on the Election Commission are an attempt to create an atmosphere of distrust in the country. He believes that attacking the Election Commission, a constitutional body, is effectively an effort to undermine democracy. Suman stated that Rahul Gandhi’s criticisms have been proven baseless, and the Election Commission has dismissed his allegations. Suman stated that Rahul Gandhi should provide a list of fake voters by way of affidavit or apologize for his baseless accusations.
Suman added that Rahul Gandhi, who habitually blames EVMs after every electoral loss, is now attempting to question the entire democratic system of the country by targeting the Election Commission. Suman believes that Rahul Gandhi aims to create an environment of distrust. Suman concluded that the nation needs to prevent this deliberate effort to weaken democracy.
