Bihar Elections 2025: Union Minister Lallan Singh's appeal to confine opposition voters to their homes, an attack on democracy or election rhetoric?

                                                 Amidst the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lallan Singh, is in the headlines due to a viral video. His statement during a rally in Mokama, where he appealed to supporters to prevent opposition voters from voting and keep them confined to their homes, has drawn national attention. This statement has not only drawn criticism from opposition parties Congress and RJD, but the Election Commission has also issued a notice to Lallan Singh on November 3, 2025, demanding a response within 24 hours. Is this a direct threat to democracy or simply an overabundance of election zeal? Let's understand the full story of this Bihar election controversy.

At a public meeting held on November 2, 2025, in the Mokama Assembly constituency of Patna district, Bihar, Union Minister Lallan Singh delivered a fiery speech in support of NDA candidate Anant Singh. In the video, it can be clearly seen that Lallan Singh said, "Don't let opposition voters leave their homes on voting day. If they insist, pick them up and take them to the polling booth and make them cast their vote." This statement was made in support of Anant Singh, who is currently lodged in Beur Jail on murder charges. Lallan Singh further said, "The people of Mokama should not miss Anant Singh. Everyone should vote as Anant Singh."

This video quickly went viral on social media and sparked discussion about the Bihar elections 2025. Lallan Singh's statement was in support of Anant Singh, who was recently arrested in connection with the murder of Jan Suraj Party worker Dularchand Yadav. Lallan Singh called it a "conspiracy" and said that the police investigation would reveal the truth. The opposition immediately took a strong stance on Lallan Singh's statement. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) shared the video on Twitter (now X) and wrote, "Union Minister Lallan Singh is trampling on the authority of the Election Commission, saying, 'Don't let the poor vote! Lock them in their homes. If they beg, then take them away and make them vote. Where is the dead Election Commission?'" The Congress also called it an attack on democracy. A party spokesperson said such statements signal the return of jungle raj in Bihar. Tejashwi Yadav called it "NDA hooliganism" and said the people of Bihar will reject such politics. Opposition parties have demanded immediate action from the Election Commission, including filing an FIR against Lallan Singh.

This controversy comes just before the first phase of voting (November 6) for the Bihar elections 2025, when a close contest is being held between the NDA (BJP-JDU) and the Grand Alliance (RJD-Congress) for the state's 243 seats. Votes will be counted on November 14. The Election Commission of India (ECI) took Lallan Singh's statement seriously and issued him a notice on November 3, 2025. The notice stated that the statement violated the Model Code of Conduct, amounting to intimidation of voters and obstructing the freedom to vote. The Commission has sought an explanation from Lallan Singh within 24 hours. The opposition welcomed the ECI's move, but the RJD criticized the Commission for appearing "dead." Experts believe that if Lallan Singh's response is not satisfactory, further action may be taken against him, such as a ban on campaigning. This incident is intensifying the debate on criminalization and strongman politics in the 2025 Bihar elections, where one-third of the candidates face serious criminal cases. This controversy is once again highlighting the culture of strongmanism in Bihar politics. Supporting leaders like Anant Singh is being seen as part of the NDA's strategy, which relies on caste equations. Lallan Singh, calling Anant Singh the "pride of Mokama," alleged that his arrest was a conspiracy. On the other hand, the opposition is using this as an opportunity to question claims of good governance. PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar recently took potshots at the "jungle raj" (jungle raj) in rallies, but this incident could damage the NDA's image. Amid issues like women's participation, youth employment, and flood control in Bihar, this controversy could increase voter polarization. The Lalan Singh controversy is giving a new twist to the Bihar elections 2025. Is this rhetoric or a real threat? The Election Commission's action clearly demonstrates that protecting democracy is a priority. Bihari voters will now decide whether the politics that captures opposition voters will find a place. The public's decision in the first phase of voting on November 6th could surprise everyone.