In a dramatic turn, Patna High Court has summoned 42 victorious Bihar MLAs, spearheaded by Speaker Prem Kumar, to answer grave charges of electoral fraud. Petitions from defeated rivals highlight alleged vote manipulation and misleading declarations in nomination papers, implicating leaders from across the political spectrum.
The list of notice recipients reads like a who’s who of Bihar politics: from cabinet ministers like Vijendra Yadav to prominent legislators such as Chetan Anand and RJD’s Amrendra Prasad. Accusations include NDA’s cash handouts of Rs 10,000 per vote and Mahagathbandhan’s inducements via welfare promises. These claims have ignited fierce debates on the sanctity of democracy in one of India’s most volatile states.
This isn’t the first time Bihar polls have courted controversy. Prashant Kishor’s outfit had knocked on the Supreme Court’s doors, but to no avail. Now, the High Court is taking a closer look, demanding detailed replies from the lawmakers.
Should the court find merit in the petitions, the fallout could be seismic—potentially unseating dozens of representatives and triggering fresh polls in key constituencies. Opposition voices are jubilant, viewing it as vindication, while the ruling camp dismisses it as sour grapes.
As documents and witnesses are lined up, Bihar’s political landscape hangs in balance. This case underscores the judiciary’s pivotal role in upholding electoral fairness, promising revelations that could redefine trust in the ballot box.