Union Minister Lalan Singh Faces FIR Over Controversial Remark: “Keep Opposition Leaders Inside Their Homes on Polling Day”
Union Minister Lalan Singh Faces FIR Over Controversial Remark: “Keep Opposition Leaders Inside Their Homes on Polling Day”
Patna: Union Minister and senior Janata Dal (United) leader Lalan Singh has found himself in the middle of a major political storm after a video surfaced showing him allegedly asking his supporters to prevent opposition leaders from stepping out of their homes on polling day. The remarks, made during a public meeting ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, have triggered widespread criticism and led to an FIR being filed against him.
The Controversial Remark
In the viral video, Singh can be heard addressing party workers and urging them to “ensure certain opposition leaders do not step out of their homes on the day of voting.” He further adds, “If they make too much noise, bring them to the polling booth, let them cast their vote, and take them back home.”
This comment, perceived as a call to intimidate or restrict political rivals during the election, has been condemned across party lines. Critics say the remark undermines the democratic spirit of free and fair elections.
FIR Registered and Legal Action
Following the circulation of the video, district officials in Patna lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against Lalan Singh under relevant sections of the Representation of the People Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case accuses him of attempting to influence voters and disrupt the fairness of the electoral process.
Election authorities are also said to be reviewing the incident to determine if the statement violates the Model Code of Conduct, which strictly prohibits inflammatory or coercive remarks during election campaigns.
Opposition Parties React Strongly
The opposition parties, particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have sharply criticized Singh’s statement. The RJD termed it a “direct assault on democracy,” accusing the JD(U) leader of encouraging voter suppression and political intimidation.
An RJD spokesperson stated, “Asking supporters to lock opposition leaders inside their homes on polling day is a criminal act. It is an insult to every voter and to the spirit of free elections. The Election Commission must take strict action to set an example.”
Other opposition leaders have echoed similar concerns, urging the Election Commission of India to disqualify candidates or campaigners who attempt to manipulate voters through fear or force.
JD(U)’s Response and Clarification
Meanwhile, the JD(U) has defended its leader, claiming that Singh’s remarks were taken out of context. Party representatives said that the video clip circulating on social media was “edited and misleading.”
A JD(U) spokesperson clarified, “The opposition is deliberately twisting his words to create political drama. Lalan Singh meant that supporters should ensure voters reach polling stations safely and peacefully. He never intended to encourage any illegal or coercive act.”
However, political analysts believe the damage may already be done. The controversy has provided fresh ammunition to opposition parties just as Bihar gears up for a fiercely contested election season.
Election Commission Monitoring the Situation
Sources indicate that the Election Commission has taken note of the viral video and is seeking a detailed report from local authorities. The poll body is expected to assess whether Singh’s comments violated the Model Code of Conduct and what disciplinary action, if any, should follow.
Legal experts say that such remarks, if proven deliberate, can amount to a serious electoral offense and may even attract disqualification from contesting elections.
Political and Public Backlash
The controversy has sparked heated debates on television channels and social media platforms. Many citizens and political observers have questioned the growing trend of aggressive campaigning and verbal attacks during elections.
Public opinion appears divided—while some argue that Singh’s words were merely “figurative” political rhetoric, others insist that such comments normalize intimidation and weaken the democratic process.
Broader Implications for Bihar Politics
The incident comes at a crucial time when Bihar’s political climate is already charged, with parties rallying to consolidate their voter bases ahead of the 2025 Assembly polls.
Political observers say that controversies like this can sway public sentiment, especially among undecided voters. The JD(U), already under scrutiny for its alliance strategies and governance record, may face additional pressure as opposition parties use the issue to corner the ruling bloc.
