The Bharatiya Janata Party felt the heat within its alliance over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise on Friday, as Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) leader Upendra Kushwaha urged the Election Commission of India (EC) to dispel confusion in the minds of the people.

Both Bihar leaders issued statements amid the demand of the Congress that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resign immediately after an Indian Express report claimed that two of the three Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, had formally recorded objections at least 14 times over the last 10 months.

Speaking to reporters in Patna, Union Minister Paswan said, “Being a part of the government, I will not defend anyone. The Election Commission is an independent constitutional institution. If questions are being raised about the Commission, I believe it is the Commission’s responsibility, and specifically the CEC’s, to strongly present its own side. It makes no difference to me what the Opposition says, because the Opposition’s job is to engage in politics. After all, how else would they pursue their political agenda if they do not level allegations?”

He further said, “The Commission should present its position strongly to the people, and that is the beauty of democracy. If people lose confidence in the election process or if doubts arise, then it’s wrong. I feel the Commission should present its side. This is not to respond to Rahul Gandhi or the Opposition, but to ensure that no doubts remain in the minds of the people.”

Earlier this week, Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav had said reports had revealed how the BJP intends to dismantle the Constitution and democracy. He had even asked why there was silence over the questions raised by the two Election Commissioners. Mr. Yadav had further urged Mr. Kumar to come forward and respond to the allegations.

Mr. Kushwaha echoed the comments in a post on X. “A lot of confusion has arisen among the people over the controversy related to the SIR. The matter needs to be addressed. To dispel the confusion, the Election Commission should immediately come out with the clarification.”

#WATCH पटना (बिहार): राहुल गांधी ने सीईसी ज्ञानेश कुमार के इस्तीफे की मांग पर केंद्रीय मंत्री चिराग पासवान ने कहा, "अगर चुनाव आयोग के ऊपर ऐसे सवाल खड़े हो रहे हैं तो मैं मानता हूं कि ये जिम्मेदारी भी चुनाव आयोग की है कि वो अपने पक्ष मे अपनी बातों को मजबूती से रखें। विपक्ष क्या… pic.twitter.com/vh8NdozECK— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) September 25, 2026

#WATCH पटना (बिहार): राहुल गांधी ने सीईसी ज्ञानेश कुमार के इस्तीफे की मांग पर केंद्रीय मंत्री चिराग पासवान ने कहा, "अगर चुनाव आयोग के ऊपर ऐसे सवाल खड़े हो रहे हैं तो मैं मानता हूं कि ये जिम्मेदारी भी चुनाव आयोग की है कि वो अपने पक्ष मे अपनी बातों को मजबूती से रखें। विपक्ष क्या… pic.twitter.com/vh8NdozECK

On the other hand, Union Minister and senior Janata Dal (United) leader Rajiv Ranjan, alias Lalan Singh, came out in support of the EC.

“The Congress raises a hue and cry across the country over a media report concerning the Election Commission. The party ought to review the real reasons for its defeat. Attacking constitutional institutions has been a tradition of the Congress. The Congress has no issue against Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Mr. Singh said.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal burnt effigies of Mr. Kumar at district headquarters across the State, including in Patna, seeking re-election in five States, including Bihar and West Bengal.

In Patna, an effigy was burnt at the Income Tax office under the leadership of Patna district president Dinanath Singh Yadav, following the call for protest by national president Lalu Prasad and national working president Mr. Yadav.