FridayOL

Patna: Janata Dal (United) MP Giridhari Yadav has been served a show-cause notice by the party following his public criticism of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Yadav, known for his outspoken views, described the revision process as a "Tughlaqi farman" (an ill-conceived order) during a recent public address, sparking controversy within the party ranks.

The SIR, an initiative aimed at updating and cleaning the voter list, has been a subject of debate, with some questioning its efficacy and potential impact. Yadav's remarks, made on Wednesday, appeared to echo these concerns, adding fuel to the already simmering discussions.

The show-cause notice, a formal communication demanding an explanation, asks Yadav to clarify his statements and explain why he publicly questioned a party-backed initiative. The JD(U) leadership views his comments as potentially damaging to the party's image and undermining the efforts of the Election Commission.

"The party has always emphasized discipline and adherence to the line decided by the leadership. MP Yadav's statements were not only disrespectful to the party's official position but also created confusion among the public," a senior JD(U) leader told India Today. “He has been asked to explain his conduct and the reasons behind making such public statements.”

Giridhari Yadav, representing the Sasaram Lok Sabha constituency, has a reputation for speaking his mind, even if it means going against the party line. This isn't the first time he has courted controversy with his outspoken nature. However, the severity of the show-cause notice indicates the party's seriousness about maintaining discipline and projecting a united front, especially ahead of upcoming elections.

The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is a crucial exercise to ensure a clean and updated voter list. The Election Commission believes that this revision will help eliminate duplicate entries and ensure that all eligible citizens are registered as voters. The process involves door-to-door verification of existing voters and enrollment of new voters.

Political analysts suggest that Yadav's criticism might be rooted in underlying concerns about the implementation of the SIR or potential political implications. Some speculate that he may be voicing the anxieties of a section within the party who feel the revision could disadvantage certain demographics. However, Yadav himself has not yet publicly commented on the show-cause notice.

The situation is being closely watched by political observers in Bihar, as it highlights the delicate balance between individual expression and party discipline. The outcome of the show-cause notice could have significant implications for Yadav's standing within the JD(U) and the party's overall image.

The JD(U) is keen to project an image of unity and discipline, especially with state and national elections on the horizon. The party leadership is likely to take a firm stance to send a clear message to its members about the importance of adhering to the party line and respecting the decisions of the leadership.