New Delhi, September 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Tuesday accused the Opposition of engaging in “selective criticism” over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that it questioned election results in BJP- and NDA-ruled states while remaining silent on outcomes in states governed by Opposition parties.
Paswan’s remarks came after he, along with other NDA allies, had earlier sought clarification from the Election Commission of India (ECI) over reports of differences within the poll panel. On Saturday, the ECI issued a press release following a meeting to address the reports and clarify the context of a letter written by its officials to the Cabinet Secretary.
Speaking to IANS, Paswan accused the Opposition of attempting to create confusion over the Election Commission and the SIR process. He said several states, including West Bengal and Bihar, had effectively countered what he described as such attempts.
He argued that if the Opposition questioned electoral mandates in BJP- or NDA-governed states, it should also raise concerns about results in states where Opposition parties were in power.
“When you raise such questions, you should also question the results in states like Karnataka where your government is formed, or in Himachal and Kerala; when results go in your favour—in states where the outcome favours you—questions are not raised there. This selective criticism by the opposition is not appropriate,” Paswan said.
The Union Minister recalled similar allegations against Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the past, claiming that Opposition parties had accepted the machines when their candidates won but questioned their credibility when BJP or alliance candidates emerged victorious.
“The EVMs were considered fine in states where their (Opposition) MPs or MLAs won. But where candidates from our alliance won, people would claim that we had tampered with the EVMs. So, I believe that the opposition should rather play a constructive role than make an issue out of EVMs and now raise questions about the electoral system itself,” he said.
Paswan further questioned the Opposition’s continued participation in elections despite its stated concerns about the electoral process. He said that if parties were dissatisfied with the electoral system in the world’s largest democracy, they should consider boycotting elections.
He added that Opposition parties were free to seek further clarification from the ECI if they remained dissatisfied with its response. However, he alleged that continuing to raise questions after receiving answers amounted to an attempt to establish a particular narrative.
Paswan said the Opposition should engage in introspection rather than trade accusations, adding that this was important for gaining public trust.
On the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) contesting the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Paswan said the party was prepared to enter the electoral fray, even independently if an alliance arrangement did not materialise.
“Our preparations for the elections are fully complete. We will certainly contest the election in Uttar Pradesh. Everyone must have seen the photos and videos showing the support we are receiving, especially from the youth,” he said.
Referring to the party’s ‘Yuva Yuddh’ event in Prayagraj, Paswan said the turnout had strengthened his view that the party was building support among young voters in Uttar Pradesh.
He said the party was preparing to contest all 403 Assembly seats in the state but would contest as part of an alliance if an agreement was reached. If not, he said, the party was ready to go it alone.
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