Dog’s residence certificate triggers political uproar

PATNA: A residence certificate issued in the name of a dog in Patna's Masaurhi block has triggered amused reactions and political jibes with opposition leaders and activists questioning the robustness of official verification processes in Bihar. The controversy surfaced just as the Supreme Court observed that Aadhaar and EPIC cards should be accepted as valid documents for the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, the same exercise during which the canine received its certificate.

The RJD, quick to seize the moment, launched a scathing attack on the state govt. Leader of opposition in state assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, said, "Nothing moves in Bihar without paying a bribe. Earlier, Aadhaar cards were made in the names of Sunny Leone and CM Nitish Kumar. The dog must have paid some bribe too."

Pointing to the absurdity of the situation, Tejashwi said, "People can now understand how intensive this so-called revision was when a residence certificate was issued in the name of a dog." He added, "While Aadhaar and EPIC cards were rejected by the ECI over fears of forgery, the same state govt issued a residential certificate to a dog. What more proof does one need about the farcical nature of this exercise?"

Echoing Tejashwi's criticism, socio-political activist and psephologist Yogendra Yadav said, "See with your own eyes. A dog got its residential certificate made in Bihar on July 24. This is the same certificate that is acceptable in the state's SIR while Aadhaar and ration cards are being called fake. Don't worry, the govt has assured action. We await the ECI's response."

Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav posted a copy of the certificate on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "A dog is showing its residence certificate while human beings are unable to provide evidence. This is ‘Mera Bharat Mahan'." In a sharper jab, he added, "What is this Mr Chief Election Commissioner? Where are you sleeping after smoking ganja? The dog hasn't brought an Aadhaar, but it has a residential certificate. Will it not get the right to vote?"

The Bihar Congress also reacted sharply, releasing a statement saying, "It seems that the votes of the people would be taken away and given to the dogs."