A curious error in the electoral rolls added a humorous twist to the bypolls for Bihar’s Tirhut Graduates constituency on Thursday.
At a polling booth in the Aurai block of Muzaffarpur district, 138 of the 724 voters listed "Munna Kumar" as their father’s name, a revelation that sparked astonishment among voters and candidates alike.
This anomaly came to light during the bypoll necessitated by the resignation of senior JD(U) leader Devesh Chandra Thakur, now Sitamarhi MP.
The Tirhut Graduates constituency comprises over 1.5 lakh voters across 197 polling booths in Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, and Sheohar districts.
Tirhut Divisional Commissioner Sarvanan M admitted the anomaly, describing it as a "technical glitch".
“None of the voters would be deprived of their right to franchise because of the anomaly, which seems to have been caused by some technical factors. Upon the completion of the by-election process, we will take necessary action,” he informed.
The electoral oddity has sparked both amusement and concern.
“It is bizarre. So many voters, men and women of all age groups and of various religious affiliations, have the same name as the father,” remarked JD(U) nominee Abhishek Jha.
Independent candidate Banshi Dhar Brijwasi, who had earlier raised the issue with the authorities, voiced his frustration: “I had flagged the discrepancy before the authorities in time but no action was taken. The voters are worried.”
Despite the irregularity, officials reassured the public that voting would proceed smoothly and the anomaly would not hinder the democratic process.
The multi-cornered contest sees 18 candidates vying for the legislative council seat.
While the bypolls proceeded, the curious case of "Munna Kumar" became a talking point, adding a peculiar charm to an otherwise routine electoral exercise.
Follow us
