Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fifth visit to Bihar on July 18, the state’s political temperature has risen over the Election Commission’s (EC) claims that several foreign nationals—from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar—were allegedly found registered as voters in Bihar during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The controversy intensified after Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of Opposition and RJD leader, mocked media reports quoting unnamed EC sources, calling them “waste” and likening “sutra” (source) to “mutra” (urine). His sharp remarks have triggered widespread condemnation from NDA leaders, who accused him of degrading both the Election Commission and the media.
Tejashwi’s Sharp Reaction
At a press conference on Sunday, when asked about EC sources claiming that foreign nationals had been found enrolled as voters, Tejashwi quipped:
“I consider that ‘sutra’ as ‘mutra’.”
Later, explaining his comments, he said:
“The EC is leaking information through anonymous sources. I used the term ‘mutra’ to refer to such baseless and foul-smelling rumours.”
He also took a jibe on X (formerly Twitter), comparing the EC’s strategy to the fictional reports during ‘Operation Sindoor’ — a hoax news narrative in which Indian forces were said to have taken over parts of Pakistan.
He accused the Election Commission of planting news through unnamed sources instead of issuing official statements. Tejashwi further claimed that the SIR process had become a “botched-up” exercise.
NDA Leaders Hit Back
BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal:
“Only Tejashwi can make such derogatory comments on national institutions and the media. It reflects his lack of education and maturity. He should apologise publicly.”
JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar:
“His language reflects his mental level. Such behaviour is unbecoming of a leader of Opposition. The EC is doing its job; the matter is before the Supreme Court.”
BJP Minister Nitin Navin:
“The Opposition is opposing SIR for vote-bank politics. They want to replicate Kerala and West Bengal tactics in Bihar. The EC’s effort to weed out illegal voters is welcome and must continue.”
Tejashwi Remains Defiant
Unfazed by the criticism, Tejashwi fired back:
“What wrong did I say? These so-called ‘sources’ often spread false narratives, which are later disproved. Isn’t that waste? BJP’s Babas even advise people to drink urine as something purifying. Is that any better?”
He accused the BJP of trying to distract from real issues by spreading rumours and manipulating public discourse through EC sources.
SIR: Political Flashpoint in Bihar
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has become a major bone of contention in Bihar politics. While the EC maintains that the review is being conducted smoothly, contradictory media reports have emerged — some highlighting the presence of illegal voters, while others report genuine voters facing deletion or difficulty in enrolment.
The matter is now being heard in the Supreme Court, with the next hearing scheduled for July 28.
All Eyes on Modi’s July 18 Rally
As political tensions escalate, PM Modi’s upcoming rally at Gandhi Maidan in Motihari is expected to further sharpen the divide. He may once again target the Opposition over the SIR controversy, just as he did during his previous visits to the state.