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Union Minister Giriraj Singh’s comments on burqa-clad voters have sparked a political stir in Bihar, drawing sharp reactions from leaders. What exactly did he say, and why is it causing such a controversy ahead of the elections?
Union Minister Giriraj Singh remarks on burqa-clad voters
Patna: As the first phase of Bihar Assembly elections is underway, Union Minister Giriraj Singh stirred a fresh controversy with remarks calling for stringent checks on burqa-clad women voters to prevent “fraudulent voting.”
Singh’s comments, made after he cast his vote in Begusarai, quickly drew widespread attention and criticism for allegedly targeting a specific community.
Defending his stance, Singh asserted that the Election Commission’s (ECI) rules must be followed uniformly across the country. “This is India, the Election Commission’s rules apply here. When a woman wearing a burqa goes to make an Aadhaar card, she lifts it for verification. When she goes to the airport, she lifts it. When she goes to collect government benefits, she lifts it. Then why not during voting?” Singh said.
‘Badlaav Hoga’: Lalu Yadav and family cast votes as Bihar begins poll battle
He further added, “Is this Pakistan or Bangladesh? Is this an Islamic country or a secular one? This is a secular country, and everyone must follow the law.” Singh maintained that his comments were not directed at any religion but were about ensuring transparency in the voting process.
Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan reacted sharply to Singh’s remarks, saying such statements unnecessarily create a “Hindu-Muslim issue.” Paswan urged political leaders to maintain focus on encouraging voter participation instead of dividing communities.
“I urge everyone to exercise their right to vote and celebrate this festival of democracy. Let Bihar record its highest-ever voter turnout,” Paswan said.
Responding to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of electoral malpractice, Paswan remarked that if the Congress truly believes in its claims, it should approach the courts instead of questioning the Election Commission repeatedly. “If they have so much trust in their information, they should go to court,” he stated, underscoring confidence in the ECI’s mechanisms.
Bihar Elections: 13% voter turnout till 9 AM amid high stakes and star campaigns
Voting for 121 constituencies began at 7 a.m. amid tight security. Over 3.75 crore voters are expected to decide the fate of 1,314 candidates, including RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav and BJP’s Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary.
The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections are being fought between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) comprising the BJP, JD(U), LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM(S), and RLM and the Mahagathbandhan alliance led by the RJD, along with the Congress, CPI-ML, CPI, CPM, and VIP.
The remaining 122 seats will go to polls on November 11, while counting of votes will take place on November 14.
