Chirag Paswan Responds to Tejashwi Yadav's Election Boycott Remarks
Tensions are escalating in Bihar's political landscape as Chirag Paswan counters Tejashwi Yadav's comments regarding a potential election boycott linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. Paswan criticizes the RJD's reliance on alliances and questions their courage to contest independently. Yadav, while not opposing SIR, expresses concerns about the Election Commission's process, suggesting that the opposition may consider boycotting the upcoming assembly elections. This unfolding drama highlights the complexities and challenges facing Bihar's political parties as they navigate the electoral landscape.
Jul 26, 2025, 14:05 IST
Political Tensions Rise Over Election Issues in Bihar
Central Minister Chirag Paswan has countered the statements made by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav regarding the election boycott linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Paswan asserted, "If you have the courage, let them proceed. These are political parties that cannot stand alone in elections. The RJD, a long-standing party in Bihar, lacks the courage to contest independently and relies on an alliance with Congress." He further noted that even Congress does not have the fortitude to fight alone, referencing his own actions in 2020. Paswan accused them of merely attempting to instill fear.
He sarcastically remarked that during the Lok Sabha elections, there were claims that the Constitution would be abolished and reservations would be eliminated. "Did any of that happen?" he questioned. He compared the current confusion surrounding SIR to the misinformation spread during the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) debates. Tejashwi Yadav had stated on Thursday that due to the controversy surrounding the voter list's special intensive revision, his party and allies are considering the option of boycotting the upcoming assembly elections in the state. In response, leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) claimed that Yadav's comments indicate the opposition has conceded defeat.
Yadav made these remarks while addressing reporters outside the state assembly on the last day of the monsoon session. He clarified that he is not fundamentally opposed to SIR, but expressed concerns regarding the manner in which the Election Commission is conducting the process, which raises several doubts. Yadav stated, "We are keeping the option of boycotting the assembly elections open. When the time comes, we will make a decision after discussions with our coalition partners. What is happening in the name of SIR is nothing short of a fraud."