FIR against Union minister Lalan Singh for ‘lock up leaders’ remark
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Bihar: The Patna district administration has registered an FIR against Union minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Lalan Singh after a video surfaced showing him allegedly urging supporters to confine certain leaders to their homes on polling day in Bihar.
The viral video, reportedly recorded during a campaign meeting in Mokama, shows Singh telling the gathering, “There are a few persons. Don’t let them step out of their homes on polling day. Keep them packed inside.” The exact date of the remarks remains unclear.
He is further heard saying, “If they make too much fuss, take them along and let them cast their vote. Tell them, ‘Come with us, vote, and then go home and rest.’ So, from today, everyone take charge.”
According to reports, the “few leaders” Singh referred to were Opposition figures. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) shared the video on social media, accusing Singh of attempting to suppress voters and “running a bulldozer over the chest of the Election Commission.”
Following mounting criticism, the Election Commission issued a notice to Singh, directing him to respond within 24 hours, according to NDTV.
The Patna district administration confirmed that an FIR had been filed against the minister under provisions of the Representation of the People Act and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) — which replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure in 2024.
Mokama, where Singh made the remarks, falls under the Patna district.
Polling for the Bihar Assembly elections is scheduled in two phases — on November 6 and November 11, with vote counting set for November 14. The Model Code of Conduct is currently in effect across the state.
The code, enforced by the Election Commission, lays down guidelines for political parties, candidates, and governments during elections, covering campaign speeches, processions, manifestos, and other electoral conduct.