'If they spent time on their own assessment…”: Chirag Paswan attacks Mahagathbandhan after NDA sweeps Bihar polls

Chirag Paswan

Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Friday launched a sharp attack on the opposition Mahagathbandhan, accusing its leaders of endlessly questioning the credibility of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and targeting officials instead of introspecting on their electoral performance.

Speaking to ANI, Paswan said the alliance was fixated on blaming institutions rather than addressing its own shortcomings.
"Finding fault with every issue, blaming EVMs, and blaming officials. If they spent as much time on their own assessment as they do on finding fault, then Congress and RJD would likely achieve something better. No Bihari tolerates personal comments that go below the limits. The 'Mahagathbandhan' has suffered losses due to this repeatedly," he told ANI.

Paswan also criticised the opposition for what he described as “provocative” references to political unrest in neighbouring countries, alleging that leaders were attempting to stoke public sentiment by drawing parallels to foreign protests.

"Yesterday, they stated that an atmosphere similar to that of Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka will be created in India. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi repeatedly says that Gen Z should play their role. This is provocative politics," Paswan said.

His remarks came after RJD leader Sunil Singh issued a strongly worded caution to election officials, warning them against any attempt to tamper with the mandate of the people. Singh evoked the scenes of street protests witnessed in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Singh alleged that the RJD faced similar issues in the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections.
"Many of our candidates were forcibly defeated in 2020. I have requested all our officials involved in the counting process that, if you defeat the person whom the public has given their mandate, the same scenes you witnessed on the roads in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka will be seen on the roads of Bihar as well," he told ANI.

He further warned of widespread public anger if the will of the electorate was undermined.
"You will see the common people taking to the streets. We are absolutely vigilant about this, and we urge you not to do anything that goes against public sentiment, that the public will not accept," Singh added.

Meanwhile, the NDA registered a sweeping victory in Bihar, with the BJP emerging as the largest party by securing 89 seats, followed closely by the JDU with 85. Other alliance partners also performed strongly, delivering a high overall strike rate.

In contrast, the Mahagathbandhan suffered heavy losses, with both the RJD and Congress falling far short of expectations. Jan Suraaj, led by Prashant Kishor, which had hoped for a breakthrough after months of intensive campaigning, failed to win a single seat.