In a powerful address during an election rally at Danapur in Patna, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Yogi Adityanath strongly defended the Election Commission of India’s recent directive on voter identification for burqa-clad women, while launching a scathing attack on the opposition RJD-Congress alliance for “deliberately politicizing a transparent electoral process.”
Mr. Yogi accused the opposition of attempting to revive the era of “booth capturing and fake voting,” citing their opposition to both Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the latest voter ID verification measure as evidence of a regressive agenda.
Burqa Verification Row: Yogi Backs EC, Slams RJD-Congress “Mischief”
Mr. Yogi stated that the deployment of anganwadi workers for voter identification, including burqa-clad women, was in line with the Election Commission’s clear and lawful guidelines.
“Should fake voters be allowed to vote? Congress and RJD want to restore the old system where their henchmen ruled booths,” Mr. Yogi asserted.
He accused the opposition of creating deliberate controversies to distract from development and democratic integrity.
“Bihar is Rising Under NDA, Not Returning to Jungle Raj”
Highlighting the NDA’s governance model, Mr. Yogi drew sharp contrasts with the opposition’s past record:
- Accused RJD-led governments (1990–2005) of fostering “jungle raj”, lawlessness, and mass migration
- Cited mafia dominance and dynastic politics during the RJD era
- Praised the NDA for “breaking the backbone of organized crime” and promoting rule of law
“In Uttar Pradesh, mafias are on their way to hell. Their properties are being seized to build houses for the poor,” he added, referencing similar action needed in Bihar.
Ayodhya-Sitamarhi Connectivity, Sita’s Birthplace to Get Facelift
Mr. Yogi also highlighted cultural and religious development projects, noting the strong spiritual and historical bonds between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh:
- After the construction of the grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, the NDA is focusing on developing Sitamarhi, believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita
- Infrastructure projects to improve connectivity between Ayodhya and Sitamarhi are in the pipeline
“Bihar – Cradle of Democracy Must Not Be Betrayed”
Calling Bihar the “mother of democracy”, Mr. Yogi invoked the legacy of Vaishali, Nalanda University, and revolutionary leader Jayaprakash Narayan. He criticized the RJD for aligning with the Congress despite its founder Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav being a political protégé of JP Narayan.
“How ironic is it that the party mentored under JP’s anti-Congress revolution is now sitting in Congress’s lap?” Mr. Yogi remarked.
NDA’s Track Record vs Opposition’s Past
Mr. Yogi concluded by reaffirming that the NDA under Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has:
- Accelerated infrastructure and social development
- Reduced poverty and lawlessness
- Ensured public-centric policies, as opposed to the opposition’s “family-first” approach
“Bihar’s future lies in inclusive growth and clean governance, not in dynastic politics,” he said.
The two-phase election for Bihar’s 243 Assembly seats will be held on November 6 and 11, with counting on November 14. The current strength stands at NDA: 131 seats, Opposition Mahagathbandhan: 111.
