Bihar MLC elections spark controversy over scheduling and cash allegations

The upcoming Bihar Legislative Council elections have drawn sharp criticism from Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, who accused the Election Commission of impartiality issues. Kishor alleged that scheduling the polls for eight seats on Friday, October 23, is a deliberate attempt to suppress Muslim voter turnout by coinciding with extended Friday prayers. He noted that these elections were traditionally held on Sundays to ensure better accessibility.

Kishor further questioned the Election Commission regarding the Bankipur Assembly by-election timeline and its perceived inaction during previous elections involving large-scale cash transfers to voters.

In response to the election cycle, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a high-level investigation into viral images that purportedly show bundles of cash alongside campaign materials for the Jan Suraaj Party. BJP spokesperson Danish Iqbal stated that the images suggest an attempt to entice voters with cash and urged the Election Commission to protect the integrity of the electoral process.