Election irregularities in Bihar have escalated to the Patna High Court, which has issued notices to 42 MLAs including Speaker Prem Kumar over claims of vote rigging and falsified affidavits. Filed by losing candidates, these petitions accuse both ruling NDA and opposition Mahagathbandhan of underhanded tactics to secure victories.
Key figures under the scanner include Energy Minister Vijendra Yadav, ex-minister Jivesh Mishra, and others like Goh RJD MLA Amrendra Prasad. Specific allegations point to monetary bribes—Rs 10,000 from NDA supporters—and scheme-based lures from the opposition, all aimed at buying loyalties at the grassroots.
The backdrop is Bihar’s contentious assembly polls, marred by repeated fraud cries. While Jan Suraaj’s Supreme Court bid faltered, this High Court intervention marks a critical juncture. The justices have called for comprehensive responses, signaling a thorough probe ahead.
Analysts warn of domino effects: proven guilt might void elections, force resignations, and reshape alliances. Patna’s power centers are on edge, with whispers of strategic maneuvers to counter the legal onslaught.
This saga highlights persistent challenges in India’s electoral machinery, particularly in high-stakes regions like Bihar. The coming hearings could set precedents, reinforcing accountability or exposing judicial limits in policing polls.