Patna: A fresh controversy erupted during the Bihar Assembly elections after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded that polling officials verify the identities of burqa-clad women voters. The party claimed the measure was necessary to prevent bogus voting, triggering strong criticism from opposition parties and civil rights groups.
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) condemned the demand, calling it an attempt to target Muslim women and undermine their constitutional right to vote with dignity. Party leaders accused the BJP of trying to polarize voters and divert attention from pressing electoral concerns such as unemployment, inflation, and rural distress.
RJD spokespersons said the move amounted to religious profiling and risked creating fear among women voters who wear the burqa as a matter of faith. They urged the Election Commission to reject the proposal and ensure that polling stations remain inclusive and respectful of personal and religious freedoms.
The Election Commission has not endorsed the BJP’s request. Officials clarified that voter identity verification must follow established guidelines using valid documents and voter ID cards, without discrimination based on attire or religion.
Civil society groups have warned that such demands erode trust in the electoral process and threaten the secular character of Indian democracy. The controversy has renewed discussions on the balance between security procedures and religious rights in India’s elections.Bihar elections, BJP, Burqa voters, RJD, Electoral rights
