FIR Against JDU Leader Lalan Singh for Controversial Remark Ahead of Bihar Polls
Video surfaces showing Union Minister urging supporters to stop rivals from leaving home on polling day; Opposition demands EC action.
Patna: The political temperature in Bihar has risen sharply just days before the Assembly elections after an FIR was filed against Union Minister and senior Janata Dal (United) leader Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh for making an allegedly provocative statement. The Patna district administration registered the case under relevant sections of the Indian Citizen Security Code and the Representation of the People Act.
The controversy erupted when the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) released a video clip purportedly showing Lalan Singh addressing party workers and saying:
“There are some leaders — don’t let them leave their homes on polling day. If they argue too much, take them along, make them vote, and then drop them back home.”
Following the video’s circulation, the RJD accused the JDU leader of attempting to interfere with the electoral process. Party spokesperson Priyanka Bharti took to social media, tagging the Election Commission and writing:
“Will you wake up and investigate this video to take action against him?”
District Administration’s Action
Late Monday night, the Patna administration confirmed that it had verified the video and taken formal action. In a statement, officials said:
“Based on the report of the video surveillance team, an FIR has been filed against Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh under the Indian Citizen Security Code and the Representation of the People Act.”
Authorities stated that the video contained clear evidence of an attempt to influence voters and disrupt the polling process.
Political Context
The incident comes as Lalan Singh campaigns in Mokama, supporting JDU candidate Anant Singh, who is currently lodged in Beur Jail in connection with the murder of Dilar Chand Yadav, a supporter of the Jan Suraaj movement.
While addressing a rally in Mokama, Lalan Singh had also said, “The people of Mokama will not feel Anant Singh’s absence.”
Political analysts believe his remarks reflect the JDU’s increasingly aggressive campaign tone but also raise serious concerns about adherence to Election Commission guidelines.
Upcoming Bihar Elections
The Bihar Assembly elections are set to be held in two phases — November 6 and November 11 — with the results scheduled for November 14. In the 2020 elections, the BJP contested 110 seats and won 74, while the JDU contested 115 and secured 43 seats, enabling the NDA alliance to form the government.
