PM Modi Lauds Election Commission for Peaceful Bihar Elections Amid Opposition Criticism

"Bihar has defeated the forces that attack democracy," declared Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the NDA's significant victory in Bihar.

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his appreciation for the Election Commission's management of the Bihar Assembly elections, coming at a time when the opposition has heavily criticized the poll body over alleged vote theft and the timing of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Speaking at BJP headquarters after the National Democratic Alliance's overwhelming victory in Bihar on Friday, PM Modi highlighted how ballot box theft and widespread repolling were common occurrences in Bihar's elections before 2005.

The Prime Minister referenced the RJD's governance period, stating, "Once 'jungle raj' ended in Bihar, conditions began improving. During this two-phase election, no repolling was necessary anywhere. The voting process was peaceful, and I commend the Election Commission, all election personnel, security forces, and voters for this achievement. The nation is proud of all of you."

PM Modi emphasized that this year's Bihar elections demonstrated how every voter across the country, particularly young voters, takes the 'shuddhikaran' (purification or cleaning) of electoral rolls very seriously.

"Bihar's youth strongly supported the Special Intensive Revision... Every political party now has a responsibility to enthusiastically participate in SIR so it can be implemented elsewhere too. Bihar has overcome forces that threaten democracy, proving once again that falsehoods fail while public trust prevails," he remarked.

Directing criticism at the RJD and Congress, he added, "Bihar has clearly indicated that individuals out on bail will not receive public support... There is no room for appeasement politics in Bihar."

The Prime Minister also targeted the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi without directly naming him, stating that the Congress raises issues like 'vote chori' (vote theft) and attacks institutions but lacks a constructive vision for the nation.