Tejashwi Yadav Demands Re-Elections in Bihar and West Bengal Citing ECI Reports

Yadav Calls for Re-Elections Following CEC Criticism

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav held a press conference at his official residence in Patna on September 23, 2026, demanding fresh elections in Bihar and West Bengal. Yadav stated that recent reports regarding the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) revealed an intent by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to dismantle constitutional democracy. During the address, Yadav asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were destroying the democratic system. He argued that public support must be mobilized to remove both leaders from power, alleging they had manipulated constitutional institutions to suit their political agenda. Yadav claimed that the ECI arbitrarily implemented the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar and West Bengal. He alleged the Commission abused its authority to help the BJP win elections and altered rules to eliminate evidence after complaints were lodged against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Allegations Against Chief Election Commissioner

Yadav cited serious questions arising from reports on the ECI, noting that two Election Commissioners had lodged complaints regarding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s modus operandi. He stated that Kumar has neither responded to these allegations nor offered any clarification. The RJD leader alleged that the press release issued by the ECI was drafted at the behest of Amit Shah and that the CEC enjoys BJP patronage. Yadav cited a 1995 Supreme Court statement asserting that three Election Commissioners hold equal jurisdiction, claiming Kumar has undermined this status. Yadav further alleged that elections in Bihar were conducted fraudulently. He claimed Modi and Shah provided a list specifying the number of seats the BJP expected to win. According to Yadav, money was deposited into women’s accounts until voting day while the ECI ignored opposition concerns. He asserted that poll results in both states were declared based solely on lists provided by Modi and Shah. Yadav alleged the ECI conducted these elections fraudulently and manipulated outcomes to align with the BJP's expectations.

Changes to Appointment Process

Yadav stated that the Modi government changed the process for selecting the Chief Election Commissioner. He noted the new system includes a Union Minister instead of relying on the previous role of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The RJD leader alleged that constitutional institutions were turned into wings of the BJP. He called for the removal of Modi and Shah, asserting they had dismantled democratic safeguards through these institutional changes.