Bihar Election 2025: EVM Photo Scandal and Political Tensions
As the Bihar assembly elections heat up, a controversial incident has emerged, involving four voters who were booked for allegedly taking photos of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and posting them online. This incident has sparked debates and raised questions about the integrity of the election process.
The Election Commission has taken action, with officials booking two voters in Gopalganj and one each in Ara and Saran. The police have emphasized that this act violates the Model Code of Conduct and election laws, indicating a serious breach of election regulations. The authorities are also investigating how the accused managed to carry mobile phones inside polling booths, which is a significant concern.
This incident comes at a critical time, as the second phase of voting is set to take place on November 11, 2025. The election is highly anticipated, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Janata Dal (United) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-Congress-led Mahagathbandhan in a neck-and-neck contest.
The BJP has hailed the high voter turnout in the first phase as evidence of "pro-incumbency," while the Congress has questioned the results, citing "ground reports" suggesting that 12 out of 15 ministers contesting were likely to lose. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the participation as a reflection of public confidence, attributing the high turnout to the "trust people have in the track record of Narendra and Nitish."
The political campaigning has been intense, with Modi, Union minister Amit Shah, and other star campaigners leading a blitz in the state. However, an unexpected encounter between Janshakti Janata Dal founder Tej Pratap Yadav and BJP MP Ravi Kishan at Patna airport has sparked speculation about potential political realignments.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also raised allegations of "vote chori" (vote theft), accusing BJP leaders of casting votes in both Delhi and Bihar. These accusations have added fuel to the fire, creating a tense atmosphere ahead of the crucial second phase of voting.
As the election progresses, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and transparent process, with the Election Commission's actions and the public's response being closely monitored. The outcome of this high-stakes assembly contest will have significant implications for Bihar's political landscape.
