THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, February 23: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State President and MP Aditya Sahu on Monday alleged large-scale irregularities in the civic elections across Jharkhand and warned that the party would not remain silent if attempts were made to influence the vote-counting process.
Addressing a press conference after polling concluded in 48 municipal bodies, Sahu claimed that the ruling coalition had “tried every possible way to stifle democracy” during the elections. He, however, expressed gratitude to voters, polling personnel and the State Election Commission for ensuring the completion of the electoral process.
‘Democracy Was Under Pressure’
Sahu stated that the civic polls, which recorded an average turnout of around 50%, were held due to sustained protests by the BJP and judicial intervention, alleging that the state government was initially reluctant to conduct the elections.
He accused the ruling alliance of attempting to influence the polls with the help of the police administration. According to him, the BJP had submitted written complaints to the Election Commission flagging such concerns in advance.
The BJP leader alleged that more than 20,000 polling personnel were denied voting rights and that no provision was made for postal ballots. He further claimed that polling percentages were deliberately reduced in areas where BJP-supported candidates were perceived to be strong.
Allegations of Bogus Voting and Intimidation
Sahu cited instances of alleged bogus voting and voter intimidation from various districts, including Medininagar, Garhwa, Giridih, Jugsalai, Sahebganj and Jamshedpur. He also alleged that in certain areas, money was distributed among voters by candidates backed by the ruling party.
He claimed there were widespread irregularities in voter lists and that several polling booths were shifted far from residential areas, causing inconvenience to voters. He further alleged “double standards” in voter ID verification and accused the administration of favouring the ruling party.
Referring to reports from party workers, Sahu said public sentiment was strongly in favour of BJP-supported candidates and expressed confidence that the party would secure a majority of seats across municipal bodies.
Demand for Fair Counting
The BJP State President urged the State Election Commission to ensure a transparent and impartial vote-counting process. He alleged that the government was attempting to influence counting arrangements, pointing out that votes for mayoral and ward councillor posts were cast on the same ballot paper.
“The BJP will not remain silent if there is any attempt to manipulate the counting process,” Sahu said, adding that the people of Jharkhand had “defeated the ruling party’s conspiracies through their vote.”
He concluded by thanking party workers, as well as the BJP’s national and state leadership, for their efforts during the campaign. BJP State Vice President Rakesh Prasad and Media In-charge Shivpujan Pathak were also present at the press conference.