Patna, Bihar: As the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections unfolded on Thursday, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) raised serious allegations against local authorities and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that voters in several constituencies were being intimidated and that election processes were being deliberately disrupted. The party sought immediate action from the Election Commission of India (ECI), highlighting incidents across Mohiuddinnagar, Sarai, and Danapur assembly constituencies.

In a series of posts shared on X (formerly Twitter), the RJD alleged that police personnel had entered private homes in the Mohiuddinnagar assembly constituency and were threatening residents to influence voting patterns. According to the party, at polling booths 106, 107, and 108, officials allegedly used coercion and violence to intimidate voters. A video shared by the RJD purportedly shows police entering homes and verbally threatening people, with the voiceover stating, “Ghar se kaafi dur, ghar mein ghus ghus karke aur iss tarah se prashasan ka puri tarah se gundagardi chalu hai. Voters ko daraya dhamkaya jaa raha hai.”

The RJD accused the local administration of failing to protect voters’ rights and ensuring a free and fair polling environment. Party leaders argued that such actions, if true, not only undermine the democratic process but also violate the spirit of the Model Code of Conduct, which obligates law enforcement agencies to maintain neutrality during elections.

In another incident highlighted by the RJD, a party worker was allegedly attacked in the Sarai area by individuals affiliated with the BJP. The RJD described the attack as politically motivated and shared video evidence of the assault. “Frustration of defeat sparks BJP goons’ thuggery! At Maricha Chowk, Sarai, an RJD worker was attacked with a knife by a BJP goon and his brother! Election Commission must swiftly arrest these criminals to prove its impartiality!” the party said in its post on X.

The video accompanying the post purportedly shows two men physically assaulting a voter while threatening others to support the BJP. The RJD emphasized that such intimidation not only affects the targeted individual but also sends a broader message of fear to the local electorate, potentially influencing voting behavior in key constituencies.

In addition to allegations of voter intimidation, the RJD raised concerns over logistical disruptions in the Danapur assembly constituency, where operations of boats ferrying voters across the Ganges were reportedly suspended. The party claimed that thousands of voters were unable to reach their polling booths due to these restrictions. “Over 10,000 voters have been left reliant on a single steamer that makes only one round per day. In such a situation, if any accident occurs, will the district administration take responsibility?” the RJD questioned in its post.

Boat services are crucial in riverine constituencies like Danapur, where large populations rely on ferries to cross water bodies to access polling stations. Any disruption in these services can significantly impede voter turnout, disproportionately affecting rural and economically disadvantaged communities who may not have alternative means of transportation.

According to the Election Commission, voter turnout for the first phase of polling in Bihar, covering 121 assembly seats, stood at approximately 53.77 percent as of 3:00 PM. While this indicates active participation, the RJD’s complaints suggest that certain groups of voters may have faced undue obstacles, potentially limiting their ability to exercise their democratic rights.

The first phase of polling is scheduled to conclude at 6:00 PM on most seats, with the remaining 122 constituencies set to vote in the second phase on November 11. Counting of votes across all constituencies will take place on November 14. The Election Commission has repeatedly emphasised its commitment to free and fair elections, urging all political parties, candidates, and law enforcement agencies to adhere strictly to the Model Code of Conduct and to ensure that voters can cast their ballots without fear or interference.

The incidents highlighted by the RJD underscore the ongoing challenges of conducting elections in densely populated, politically charged regions. Mohiuddinnagar, Sarai, and Danapur are constituencies with historically high voter engagement, making them focal points for political parties seeking to consolidate support. Allegations of voter intimidation and election-day disruptions, if substantiated, could have a significant impact on electoral outcomes, as well as on public confidence in the electoral process.

Political analysts note that allegations of this nature are not uncommon in Bihar’s fiercely contested elections, where competition between parties is intense and margins of victory can be narrow. Experts stress the importance of the Election Commission’s vigilance in monitoring polling stations, addressing complaints promptly, and ensuring that law enforcement agencies remain neutral and act only in accordance with legal mandates.

In response to such allegations, the Election Commission can deploy additional observers, request immediate reports from district administration officials, and direct local police to take corrective measures. If incidents of intimidation or procedural violations are confirmed, the EC has the authority to initiate legal proceedings against the individuals or authorities involved and to take remedial actions to safeguard the integrity of the election.

The RJD’s posts and shared videos have also sparked debate on social media, with various political commentators discussing the implications of voter intimidation and administrative lapses. Supporters of the party argue that such interventions are an attempt to suppress voter turnout in areas where the RJD has a strong support base, while opposition voices question the veracity of the claims, calling for independent verification by the Election Commission.

Despite the controversies, the overall atmosphere in Bihar has remained largely peaceful, with law enforcement agencies continuing to monitor sensitive polling areas. The Election Commission has reiterated that any credible evidence of intimidation, violence, or disruption will be acted upon swiftly to ensure that voters can participate freely in the democratic process.

The incidents in Mohiuddinnagar, Sarai, and Danapur highlight broader concerns about election administration in rural and semi-urban constituencies, where logistical challenges and political rivalries can create conditions for potential electoral malpractice. Ensuring that voters have safe, reliable access to polling stations is critical to maintaining the legitimacy of the electoral process and to upholding the democratic rights of citizens.

As Bihar moves toward the conclusion of the first phase of voting and prepares for the second phase on November 11, all eyes will be on the Election Commission to see how it responds to these allegations. Prompt and transparent action is essential not only for addressing the immediate complaints but also for reinforcing public trust in the electoral system and in the impartiality of administrative authorities.

In conclusion, the RJD’s allegations of voter intimidation in Mohiuddinnagar and Sarai, coupled with reports of restricted boat operations in Danapur, raise serious questions about electoral conduct during the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections. While voter turnout remains strong at over 50 percent, the complaints underscore the need for vigilance and proactive intervention by the Election Commission to ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote freely and without fear. The outcome of the second phase of polling and the Commission’s response to these incidents will play a critical role in shaping the integrity and perception of the 2025 Bihar elections.

---