Opposition leaders in Bihar have intensified their criticism of the ongoing 2025 Assembly Election results, alleging widespread tampering of Electronic Voting Machines and what they describe as “vote chori.” Parties such as the Congress and the Samajwadi Party have voiced concerns over potential manipulation, claiming that the emerging trends show irregularities that warrant immediate investigation. These allegations have been firmly dismissed by the Janata Dal (United) and the Bharatiya Janata Party, who insist that the claims are baseless and aimed at undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
The controversy started soon after early counting trends began favouring the JD(U)-BJP alliance across several constituencies. Opposition leaders argued that discrepancies between the provisional voter turnout data and the actual vote counts raised suspicions of malfunction or interference. They pointed to reports of EVM glitches at select polling booths and argued that such incidents contribute to public doubt during a closely watched election. As conversations around “EVM fraud” and “vote theft” circulated widely online, the topic quickly became one of the most discussed political issues in the state.
Congress representatives alleged that certain constituencies showed voting patterns that were too erratic to be natural, suggesting the need for a thorough audit. The Samajwadi Party further demanded cross-verification of all votes through VVPAT slips and called for a detailed review by the Election Commission of India. Both parties insisted that their concerns were rooted in safeguarding democratic integrity rather than political opportunism.
Responding to these allegations, the JD(U) leadership argued that the opposition was attempting to rationalize results that did not align with their expectations. They reiterated that the EVMs used in the Bihar polls were secure, pre-tested, and sealed under strict supervision. According to them, the Election Commission adheres to rigorous protocols that leave no space for manipulation. The BJP echoed this sentiment, accusing the opposition of habitually raising doubts whenever the electoral outcome seems unfavourable. Their spokespersons emphasized the presence of VVPAT systems, which offer an added layer of transparency and are considered critical in maintaining public trust.
Officials from the Election Commission are expected to issue a comprehensive statement soon. Preliminary internal reviews indicate no evidence of tampering or procedural violations. The Commission has reminded political parties that EVMs have been validated repeatedly over the years, both technologically and legally, and that allegations of manipulation seldom withstand formal scrutiny.
Political observers note that the eruption of such accusations highlights the intense competition and heightened emotions surrounding the Bihar Election 2025. With several constituencies witnessing close contests, election narratives can quickly shift toward claims of irregularities. While opposition parties insist that raising concerns strengthens democratic accountability, the ruling alliance argues that such allegations risk eroding public faith in institutions without factual basis.
