Chirag and Upendra Kushwaha request the Election Commission to clear the confusion in people’s minds

Union Minister and National President of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Chirag Paswan. File | Photo credit: ANI

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday felt the heat in its alliance over the Special Intensive Review (SIR) exercise as Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) leader Upendra Kushwaha urged the Election Commission of India (EC) to dispel the confusion in people’s minds.

The two Bihar leaders issued the statement amid Congress demand that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resign immediately after an Indian Express report claimed that two of the three election commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, had formally registered objections at least 14 times in the last 10 months.

Speaking to reporters in Patna, Union Minister Paswan said, “Being part of the government, I will not defend anyone. The Election Commission is an independent constitutional institution. If questions are raised about the Commission, I believe it is the duty of the Commission, and specifically the CEC, to present its own side strongly. I don’t care what the opposition says, otherwise, because the opposition would be involved in politics if they were doing it all differently. Allegations?”

He further said, “The Commission should strongly present its stand to the people, and that is the beauty of democracy. If people lose faith in the electoral process or doubts arise, then it is wrong. I feel the Commission should present its side. It is not a reaction to Rahul Gandhi or the opposition, but to ensure that no doubt remains in people’s minds.”

Earlier this week, Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav said the news revealed how the BJP intends to dismantle the constitution and democracy. He even asked why there was silence on the issues raised by the two election commissioners. Mr. Yadav further urged Mr. Kumar to come forward and answer the allegations.

Mr. Kushwaha echoed the comments in a post on X. “There has been a lot of confusion among people regarding the SIR controversy. The matter needs to be addressed. To clear the confusion, the Election Commission should come up with an explanation immediately.”

#WATCH Patna (Bihar): On Rahul Gandhi’s demand for CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, Union Minister Chirag Paswan said, “If such issues are raised with the Election Commission, then I believe it is also the responsibility of the Election Commission to present its views forcefully. What will the opposition… pic.twitter.com/vh8NdozECK

— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) September 25, 2026

On the other hand, Union minister and senior Janata Dal (United) leader Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh has come out in support of the EC.

“Congress is fuming all over the country over the media report on the Election Commission. The party should review the real reasons behind its defeat. Attacking constitutional institutions is a Congress tradition. Congress has no problem against Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Singh said.

Meanwhile, the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal burnt effigies of Mr. Kumar at district headquarters across the state, including Patna, and sought re-election in five states, including Bihar and West Bengal.

In Patna, an effigy was burnt at the Income Tax office under Patna District President Dinanath Singh Yadav following a call for protest by National President Lalu Prasad and National Labor President Mr. Yadav.

Published – 25 Sep 2026 16:08 IST