New Delhi, Sep 29 — Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vila) chief Chirag Paswan on Tuesday accused the Opposition of indulging in "selective criticism" over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by not questioning the polling results in the Opposition-ruled states.
Paswan, 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 its meeting to quell such reports and clarified the context under which a letter was written by ECI functionaries to the Cabinet Secretary.
Speaking to IANS, Paswan said: "The way the opposition is continuously trying to spread confusion regarding the Election Commission and the SIR, I feel that several states have effectively countered this confusion. Be it the elections in Bengal or the elections here in Bihar."
He stated that if the Opposition is raising questions on the mandate in BJP- or NDA-ruled states, then it should also raise questions about the election results in states ruled by the opposition parties.
"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," he said.
The Union Minister recalled that similar criticisms were levelled against EVMs in the past.
"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 said that if the Opposition has such strong objections regarding the electoral system and is dissatisfied with the electoral process in the world's largest democracy, "then why do you want to participate? Simply say you are boycotting the elections".
He added that if the Opposition is still not satisfied with the ECI's response, it is free to ask more questions.
"But continuing to spread confusion even after receiving answers is an attempt to set a specific narrative. The problem is that unless the opposition engages in introspection instead of just trading accusations, they won't win the trust of the public or the election," he stated.
Regarding the LJP-RV contesting the upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Paswan said that if an alliance does not work out, the party is prepared to even contest solo.
"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.
The LJP-RV chief added: "The way a massive number of young people attended the 'Yuva Yuddh' event in Prayagraj leads me to believe that as of today, our party and organisation are gaining strong support in Uttar Pradesh, just like in Bihar."
"Our party is preparing for 403 seats. If an alliance is formed, we will contest under it, but if we have to contest alone, our party is ready for that as well," he added.