Lalu Prasad Alleges ‘Vote Chori’ by BJP-Led NDA, Reaffirms Opposition Unity Against SIR
Lalu Prasad Accuses NDA of ‘Vote Chori’
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president and former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav on November 3 accused the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of resorting to alleged “vote chori” to win elections. Speaking to reporters in Patna, he asserted that opposition parties remained united in their campaign against alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
When reporters asked him about the Opposition's allegations of vote theft, Lalu Prasad responded affirmatively and said that the Opposition was united. He also described the INDIA bloc's recent rally in New Delhi as successful.
His remarks came two days after several opposition parties gathered at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi for the “Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao” rally, which focused on alleged electoral malpractice and concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
INDIA Bloc Holds ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ Rally
On November 1, leaders of the INDIA bloc assembled at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi to protest against alleged electoral irregularities and demand accountability from the Election Commission.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and several other opposition leaders participated in the gathering.
The leaders raised concerns over the SIR process and alleged that voter names had been improperly removed from electoral rolls. They also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The BJP rejected the Opposition's accusations and criticised the rally, arguing that opposition parties were questioning electoral institutions after facing electoral defeats.
Lalu Prasad Reaffirms Opposition Unity
Lalu Prasad's statement is significant because it reinforces the RJD's support for the wider INDIA bloc campaign against alleged electoral irregularities.
He said the opposition parties were united on the issue and indicated that the Delhi rally had demonstrated their collective position. His comments also come at a time when the RJD and Congress are seeking to coordinate their political response to the SIR exercise and other election-related issues.
Tejashwi Yadav represented the RJD at the Delhi rally, where he joined other opposition leaders in criticising the electoral process and raising concerns about voter rights.
Lalu Prasad Meets Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi
Before returning to Patna, Lalu Prasad met senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on November 2 at the residence of his daughter and RJD MP Misa Bharti in New Delhi.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the two senior leaders to reconnect and discuss political developments. Reports said they also recalled the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) period and discussed initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The meeting has attracted attention amid continuing efforts by opposition parties to maintain coordination on national political issues.
SIR Exercise Remains at the Centre of Political Debate
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has become a major point of disagreement between the ruling BJP-led alliance and opposition parties.
The Election Commission's exercise is intended to revise electoral rolls, including the identification of eligible voters and the removal of duplicate, shifted, deceased or otherwise ineligible entries. Opposition parties have raised concerns about the process, claiming that eligible voters could be excluded if verification is not conducted carefully.
The BJP, meanwhile, has defended the revision exercise and accused opposition parties of spreading confusion about the electoral process. BJP leader J. P. Nadda recently argued that the Opposition was questioning the Election Commission and EVMs after electoral defeats.
Political Implications for Bihar
Lalu Prasad's comments bring the national debate over SIR and alleged vote theft back into Bihar's political discussion. The RJD has made electoral transparency and opposition coordination important parts of its political messaging.
The issue also provides an opportunity for the BJP and RJD to present contrasting positions on the Election Commission, voter registration and democratic accountability.
For now, the dispute remains centred on allegations and counter-allegations. Any claims of electoral malpractice require examination through verifiable evidence and appropriate institutional processes.
