Patna, Sep 23 (ABN) Opposition Leader in Bihar Legislative Assembly and National Working President of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Tejswi Prasad Yadav on Wednesday raised serious questions on the Election Commission's procedure and demanded re-election in Bihar and West Bengal. Mr. Yadav alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar under pressure from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had influenced the election process in the two states. The opposition leader said in a press conference here on Wednesday that two Election Commissioners of the Election Commission raised serious questions about the procedure of the Chief Election Commissioner. He said that the Chief Election Commissioner should clarify the situation on these objections. He said that in a recent report, objections have been filed regarding various decisions made by Election Commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sindhu and Vivek Joshi. The RJD leader alleged that the constitutional institutions were being misused to suit the political interests of the Bharatiya Janata Party, thereby weakening the constitution and the democratic system. The RJD leader said his party was the first to raise questions during the Special Comprehensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar and the matter was taken to the Supreme Court for justice. Mr. Yadav alleged that the SIR process was used arbitrarily to take decisions related to the voter list in Bihar, West Bengal and other states. He said that a large number of voters have also appealed in connection with the special comprehensive revision of the voter list in West Bengal. According to the Election Commission, out of 27.16 lakh names removed in West Bengal, 22.21 lakh voters have appealed to add their names again. The Leader of the Opposition said that questions were also raised on the changes made in the period of preservation of election results and voting records. They alleged that such changes could affect the possibility of scrutiny of the electoral process and redressal of grievances. He said that earlier the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court had a role in the process of appointing the Chief Election Commissioner, but the central government changed the structure of the selection committee by changing the law. He alleged that this has raised questions on the independence of the Election Commission. Mr. Yadav mentioned the transfer of money to women's accounts during the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections and said that the Election Commission did not take expected action on the opposition's objections. He alleged that the election process in Bihar was not fair and the results were influenced in favor of the ruling party. He said that in 1995, the Supreme Court had given important instructions regarding the role and powers of the three members of the Election Commission. The RJD leader alleged that the Chief Election Commissioner used his powers to limit the jurisdiction of the two Election Commissioners. He said that in view of the questions raised regarding the electoral process in Bihar and West Bengal, re-elections should be held in both the states. He said that wherever there is injustice, RJD will continue to raise its voice against it. Mr. Yadav alleged that constitutional institutions are being used by the central government for political purposes. He said that to strengthen democracy in the country, it is important to maintain the independence and impartiality of democratic institutions. RJD leaders Shakti Singh Yadav and Ijaz Ahmed were also present on this occasion.
