Tejashwi Yadav seeks re-election in Bihar, West Bengal after damning CEC reports

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav addresses a press conference at his official residence in Patna, Bihar on September 23, 2026. Photo credit: PTI

Bihar Opposition Leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) said that the report on the functioning of the Election Commission has revealed how the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intends to dismantle the Constitution and democracy and how Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are destroying the democratic system.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) National Working President told the media at his official headquarters in Patna that the report raised serious questions and both the Election Commissioners had filed complaints against the manner of functioning of the Chief Election Commissioner.

“Why is there silence on the questions raised by the two Election Commissioners about the Chief Election Commissioner of India (ECI) Gyanesh Kumar? He should come forward and answer. The press release issued by the ECI was made at the behest of Amit Shah,” Mr Yadav claimed.

He pointed out that when the Special Intensive Review (SIR) was going on in Bihar, the RJD was the first to raise questions and even approached the Supreme Court seeking justice. Mr. Yadav further alleged that the report revealed that the Chief Election Commissioner enjoys BJP’s patronage.

“It has also come to light how the ‘SIR’ process was arbitrarily implemented across the country, including in Bihar and West Bengal and how the Commission misused its authority to help the BJP win elections in these and other states. Despite filing a complaint against Gyanesh Kumar’s arbitrary actions and working style, the Commission cunningly changed the rules to remove the alleged rules. Mr. Yadav also came to light.

The RJD leader further said that earlier the Chief Election Commissioner played a role in the selection of the Chief Election Commissioner, but the Narendra Modi government has changed the process to include a Union minister instead.

“Elections in Bihar were conducted fraudulently. Mr. Modi and Mr. Shah provided a list to the Chief Election Commissioner stating the number of seats they expected to win, and the BJP and its alliance secured them those exact seats. In Bihar, money continued to be deposited in women’s accounts till polling day. However, the ECI ignored the concerns of the BJP and all opposition to ensure victory,” said Mr. Yadav.

The Leader of Opposition in Bihar explained that the reports revealed that the ECI had conducted the elections in Bihar and West Bengal in a fraudulent manner. He demanded re-election in both the states, saying that the poll results were declared only on the basis of the lists provided by Mr. Modi and Mr. Shah.

He pointed out that in 1995 the Supreme Court had clearly stated that the three Election Commissioners have equal power and status; however, the Chief Election Commissioner used his powers to undermine the powers of the other two commissioners.

He argued that the public must remove Mr. Modi and Mr. Shah because they allegedly manipulated constitutional institutions to suit their own agenda, effectively turning them into wings of the BJP.

The former deputy chief minister also said CEC Gyanesh Kumar did not respond to the allegations leveled by the two election commissioners or offer any explanation.

Published – 23 Sep 2026 21:59 IST