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New Delhi: Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday strongly addressed the burqa controversy and claims of Sharia law during the first phase of voting in Bihar Assembly elections and emphasized that India has its own Constitution.
After casting his vote at polling booth number 43 in Middle School Barhiya No. 2, Singh stressed that India follows its Constitution and religious customs cannot dominate identity or electoral processes.
Singh, who arrived early and was the first voter at his booth, said, “…I showed that the Anganwadi workers were here regarding the burqa issue. The Election Commission has made proper arrangements and established rules that if someone objects, the person should lift their burqa for identification. When people go to make Aadhaar card, there is no mention of Sharia law. When they go for reservation or go to the airport, there is no Sharia law there either. This It is only here that Sharia law applies. This is not Pakistan. It is India’s own constitution, and it will be followed.”
The Union Minister also addressed cultural and religious topics while reiterating the importance of temple construction in India. “If temples are not built here, where will they be built… in Pakistan!”, he said, highlighting his belief that the country’s eternal identity must be preserved.
Giriraj Singh expressed confidence over the NDA’s prospects in the Bihar elections and claimed that the alliance would repeat or even surpass its 2010 electoral performance.
The first phase of voting for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections began at 7 am in 18 districts, covering 121 constituencies, with over 3.75 crore voters eligible to cast their votes. Polling stations have been strengthened with unprecedented security arrangements, with police and paramilitary forces deployed at sensitive and hyper-sensitive booths.
Voters in Singh’s constituency and across the state are reportedly focusing on development, education and employment, while security and electoral fairness remain key priorities. Singh’s early presence at the polling booth, as well as his outspoken comments, underlined the political intensity and cultural debate surrounding this election phase.
The first phase of voting will continue till 6 pm, while voting in Naxal-affected seats will end at 5 pm.
–IANS