Viral Video Of BJP Candidate Handing Out Cash Sparks Bihar Poll Row

A day before the second phase of polling in Bihar, a purported video of BJP MLA and Chiraiya candidate Lalbabu Prasad Gupta allegedly handing out cash to voters went viral on social media, triggering a political uproar.

In the clip, posted just hours before voting, Gupta is purportedly seen giving money to a woman while locals watch.

The video drew swift criticism from opposition parties and raised questions about adherence to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Following the circulation of the video, police registered a case against the BJP candidate.

East Champaran SP Swarn Prabhat said the footage shows a candidate distributing cash, which prima facie violates the MCC.

The FIR has been lodged at Patahi police station, and investigations are ongoing.

Election Commission Heightens Vigil

Ahead of Phase-2 voting, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed additional surveillance teams across poll-bound districts to curb malpractices.

Despite these measures, the viral video underscores continued attempts at inducement in the electoral process.

In a separate incident, a video showing VVPAT slips lying in a roadside ditch in the Maharajganj Assembly constituency of Siwan district went viral on Monday.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) shared the clip on X, alleging irregularities and accusing outsiders of attempting to undermine democracy.

RJD leaders demanded immediate clarification from the ECI, emphasising the need for transparency.

Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha commented, “Even if it’s just for show… a clarification is necessary — or should we look for the reason behind the silence?”

Administrative Response

Following complaints, the Siwan district administration confirmed that the VVPAT slips belonged to the 112-Maharajganj constituency and were from the commissioning stage of the machines.

Officials said personnel shredded the slips on-site in the presence of contesting candidates or their agents.

Authorities called the incident negligence, suspended the staff involved, initiated departmental proceedings, and lodged an FIR.

They have also ordered a detailed inquiry and informed all constituency candidates of the actions taken.

These incidents, coming just before the second phase of polling, have intensified scrutiny on election conduct in Bihar.

They highlight the challenges of enforcing the MCC and ensuring free and fair elections amid allegations of inducement and procedural lapses.

With voters heading to the polls today, authorities are under pressure to maintain transparency and prevent further violations.

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