Owaisi Slams ‘Secretive’ NRC Implementation by Election Commission in Bihar Ahead of Polls

Patna, June 28:
AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission of India, alleging that the NRC in Bihar is being quietly implemented under the radar, just months before the upcoming state elections. He warned that such actions, done without transparency or public dialogue, could lead to severe social disruption and marginalization of vulnerable communities.

Speaking at a public rally, Owaisi said, “Without any public announcement or parliamentary debate, the Election Commission is implementing NRC in Bihar in a hush-hush manner. This is a backdoor attempt to push the National Register of Citizens in a non-transparent way, and it threatens the democratic fabric of our country.”

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What is NRC and Why is It Controversial?

The NRC in Bihar refers to a verification process similar to the controversial National Register of Citizens exercise first conducted in Assam. The NRC aims to identify “genuine” Indian citizens and detect illegal immigrants. However, the Assam NRC drew widespread criticism for excluding over 19 lakh people and sparking fear among minorities.

Owaisi’s allegations that this process is now being introduced silently in Bihar have reignited national concerns. Critics say the NRC has potential to discriminate against the poor, illiterate, and marginalized who often lack proper documentation.

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Owaisi Warns of Political Agenda Behind NRC in Bihar

Owaisi did not mince words in accusing the central government and Election Commission of pursuing a divisive political agenda. “This quiet implementation of NRC in Bihar reeks of an agenda to polarize communities before elections. It is not about national security—it is about voter manipulation,” he declared.

He argued that if there’s a genuine need for such an exercise, it should be done through Parliament with full public debate. “Why is the process not being discussed openly? Why no clarity from the Election Commission?” Owaisi asked.

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Election Commission Yet to Respond to Allegations

So far, the Election Commission has not issued a formal statement addressing the charges made by Owaisi. However, officials have reportedly stated that the current verification drive is a “routine process” to update voter lists ahead of the elections and is not linked to NRC.

Still, the NRC in Bihar narrative has now taken center stage in Bihar’s political discourse, with many opposition leaders demanding clarity and transparency from election authorities.

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Political Reactions Across Bihar

Leaders from the RJD and Congress have echoed Owaisi’s concerns. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, “Any process that resembles NRC should be discussed on the floor of the house. We cannot have people’s citizenship questioned by officials under a veil of secrecy.”

On the other hand, BJP leaders dismissed the allegations as political posturing. A senior BJP spokesperson commented, “The voter verification is a constitutional process. There is no NRC in Bihar. Owaisi is simply stirring up fear for political gains.”

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Grassroots Fear and Confusion Among Citizens

In rural parts of Bihar, the news has already triggered anxiety. Local reports suggest that many people have been approached by officials asking for legacy documents, birth certificates, and land papers.

Meena Devi, a daily wage laborer from Purnia, said, “We don’t understand what’s happening. They came asking for our family documents. How do we know if this is for voting or for NRC?”

This kind of confusion, Owaisi argued, is precisely why transparency is essential. “The Election Commission cannot conduct such sensitive exercises without informing the people. It destroys trust,” he said.

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History Repeats? Lessons from Assam’s NRC

The NRC in Bihar is drawing inevitable comparisons to Assam’s NRC debacle. In that instance, thousands of citizens, including Army veterans, were excluded due to discrepancies in documents. Legal battles, mass protests, and humanitarian concerns followed.

Owaisi warned that similar consequences could unfold in Bihar. “We cannot allow another humanitarian disaster. Bihar is not Assam, and the people here will not stay silent if injustice is done,” he said.

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Upcoming Bihar Elections Now Framed Around NRC Debate

With elections in Bihar just months away, the political landscape is quickly shifting. The issue of NRC in Bihar has emerged as a hot-button topic, especially among youth and minority communities.

AIMIM plans to hold more rallies and awareness drives across the state to “educate citizens about their rights” and oppose any NRC-like exercise. Owaisi has called for unity among secular forces to resist what he calls “disguised authoritarianism.”

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Conclusion: Calls for Transparency and Accountability

Whether or not the Election Commission is formally introducing NRC in Bihar, the secrecy surrounding the current verification processes is raising valid concerns. Owaisi’s sharp criticism has brought the issue to the national spotlight.

As political pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the Election Commission’s next move. Will it clarify its position and assure citizens? Or will it continue down a path that many fear could divide and destabilize?