Overview
- In a viral clip from a December 14 event, Jitan Ram Manjhi is heard saying a phone call to the then Gaya DM, named as Abhishek Singh, helped a trailing HAM candidate in 2020 and that the same candidate lost in 2025 after not seeking his help.
- Manjhi denies wrongdoing, calling the video doctored and later saying he was referring to lawful recount requests and counting delays rather than any interference.
- Bihar Industry Minister Dilip Jaiswal backed Manjhi, arguing the remarks were misinterpreted and related to slow or penultimate‑round counts, while JD(U) suggested due process be followed before broad accusations.
- RJD and Congress amplified the clip and demanded a high‑level or Election Commission inquiry, with Congress MP Tariq Anwar saying the remarks bolster the party’s concerns about electoral irregularities.
- Journalists note ECI records show RJD’s Ajay Kumar won Tikari/Tekari in 2020 by 2,058 votes, contradicting Manjhi’s account, and outlets said they could not independently verify the video’s authenticity; the officer named is now posted in Tripura.