PTI
Lakhisarai (Bihar): Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Thursday alleged that his convoy was attacked by supporters of the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) during polling, accusing them of attempting to intimidate voters in the area.
The senior BJP leader, who is contesting for a fourth consecutive term from Lakhisarai, expressed displeasure over what he termed as the “inaction” of the local administration and said he would raise the matter with the Election Commission (EC).
Taking cognizance of the allegation, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the state Director General of Police (DGP) to take “immediate action.”
“No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands. Strict action will be taken against the miscreants,” an official quoted the Chief Election Commissioner as saying.
Lakhisarai Superintendent of Police (SP) Ajay Kumar said polling was continuing peacefully in the area where Sinha claimed the attack took place.
“We have received reports of some protests over broken roads. The exact situation will be clear after visiting the site,” the SP said.
Speaking to reporters, Sinha alleged that RJD workers had been intimidating voters belonging to extremely backward classes since morning.
“The local SP is a coward. He says there is peace, while people are being prevented from voting,” Sinha claimed.
The Deputy CM said one of the vehicles in his convoy was damaged when “opposition party goons” hurled stones, slippers, and cow dung.
“One of my workers, Vibhishan Kevat, was badly beaten and admitted to a hospital. Yet, not a single arrest has been made,” he said.
Accusing the RJD of resorting to violence, Sinha added,
“This incident shows what the party stands for. When this is their conduct out of power, imagine what would happen if they win even by fluke—it would be the law of the jungle.”
Reiterating his dissatisfaction with the administration’s response, Sinha said,
“The matter will be taken up with the Election Commission. The conduct of the officials concerned will be reviewed and action will follow.”
Dismissing the allegations, RJD spokesperson Shakti Yadav said,
“He (Sinha) is lying. He enjoys Z+ security, and it’s his party that runs the state and controls the administration. Locals were protesting over a broken drain—that’s all that happened.”
Meanwhile, a similar incident was reported from the Manjhi assembly constituency in Saran district, where the convoy of sitting CPI(ML) Liberation MLA Satyendra Yadav was attacked by unidentified persons.
According to a statement issued by Saran Police, all occupants of the car, including the MLA, escaped unhurt, and a search was underway to trace the “antisocial elements” involved in the attack.
