Bihar BJP chief’s call for verification of burqa-clad voters sparks political row

Opposition parties have accused the BJP of spreading communal polarization, while the party’s ally, the Janata Dal (United), has distanced itself from the remarks.

During a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Patna, Jaiswal urged officials to ensure that “faces of voters, especially burqa-clad women,” are tallied with their EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) photographs to prevent alleged voter fraud.

“Only genuine voters should be allowed to vote. The Election Commission must ensure face verification,” Jaiswal said after the meeting, where representatives of all major political parties presented their suggestions for the upcoming polls.

Opposition reaction

The remark drew sharp criticism from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Party MP Abhay Kushwaha, who led his party’s delegation to the Election Commission, dismissed Jaiswal’s comments as “a political conspiracy.”

“The BJP is trying to push its own divisive agenda. The voter list has just undergone a Special Intensive Revision, and new voter ID cards with fresh photos are being issued. Identification is not a problem,” Kushwaha said.

BJP allies' reaction

Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha defended the proposal, arguing that the rule should be uniform for all women voters, including those wearing veils.

“Whether a woman is in a burqa or ghoonghat, the law should be equal for everyone. Women officers can verify female voters if needed,” he said, adding that the Election Commission’s decision would be final.

However, the BJP’s ally JDU expressed disapproval. Party leader Khalid Anwar said, “Our party is disappointed with such remarks. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar does not support this kind of politics and has always stood for women’s rights.”

The controversy recalls a similar incident during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when BJP candidate K. Madhavi Latha was seen asking burqa-clad voters in Hyderabad to uncover their faces for verification.

The Election Commission later clarified that voter identification must follow election rules while respecting cultural and religious sensitivities.