The Janata Dal (United) has formally questioned its Banka MP, Girdhari Yadav, over his recent public objections to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. In a notice issued on Thursday, the party described Yadav’s remarks as a breach of internal discipline and inconsistent with the JD(U)’s official stance.
The letter, signed by JD(U) national general secretary Afaque Ahmed Khan, asked Yadav to clarify his position within 15 days, warning that failure to do so could invite disciplinary measures.
Yadav had sharply criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) earlier this week, raising concerns that the current voter roll revision could cast doubts on the legitimacy of the recent Lok Sabha election outcome. He questioned the logic behind revising the electoral list so soon after the general elections, implying that either the previous roll was flawed or the present revision is unnecessary.
He also cautioned that the process, if rushed, could disenfranchise large sections of voters, especially those from vulnerable and marginalised communities. Additionally, he pointed out the impractical timing of the exercise, which coincides with severe flooding in parts of Bihar and peak agricultural activity.
Calling for more time, Yadav urged the Election Commission to extend the timeline by at least six months to ensure thoroughness and accessibility. “The Commission should safeguard voter participation, not rush a critical process so close to the assembly elections,” he asserted.
The JD(U), however, dismissed his concerns, noting that the revision is being carried out lawfully under the constitutional mandate of the ECI and the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. The notice accused Yadav of inadvertently aligning with the narrative of opposition parties that have been challenging the credibility of the ECI and electronic voting machines (EVMs).
“Our party has maintained unwavering support for the Election Commission and its practices, including the use of EVMs—whether during our tenure in the INDIA bloc or now with the NDA,” the letter stated. It emphasized that public dissent from party members on such a sensitive issue, especially during an election year, damages the party’s reputation and could bolster unfounded allegations promoted by rival groups.
