"EC has begun stealing seats at behest of Amit Shah": RJD after Shweta Suman's nomination cancelled

Patna (Bihar) [India], October 23 (ANI): Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Thursday alleged a political conspiracy by the Election Commission on the behest of Union Minister Amit Shah, after the poll body allegedly cancelled the nomination of the party's candidate Shweta Suman from Mohania constituency.
Issuing a press release, the RJD claimed that Suman's nomination was cancelled under "undue pressure" from the ECI.
RJD said, "At the behest of Amit Shah, the Election Commission has already begun stealing seats even before the results. Our esteemed candidate from the Mohania Assembly seat in Kaimur district, Shweta Suman, has had her nomination unjustly cancelled under a political conspiracy and undue pressure. This action is against the fundamental principles of democracy and the fairness of the electoral process."
While her nomination was reportedly cancelled over irregularities in her caste certificate, the party issued a clarification stating that Suman's certificate and documents are in accordance with government rules.
RJD said in the press release, "Shweta Suman has been a long-time permanent resident of this area, and all documents submitted by her, including the caste certificate, are fully valid, true, and certified in accordance with the relevant government rules. She submitted her nomination on October 20, 2025, which was also certified by the Returning Officer."
"Despite this, due to objections raised by two other candidates regarding the validity of the caste certificate, without due legal process and proper hearing, the Returning Officer rejected her nomination on October 22, 2025," the party added.
"The basis of this decision was the report of the Circle Officer, Durgavati, in which the caste certificate was cancelled by stating it was not in accordance with the rules, even though the rules for investigation directed by the Supreme Court were not followed. According to the Patna High Court case of Baidyanath Singh v. State of Bihar, the formation of a proper Scrutiny Committee is mandatory for the cancellation process of a caste certificate, which has been completely overlooked in this case," the press release said.
Earlier on Wednesday, RJD leader Shweta Suman broke down in tears as she claimed that the Election Commission cancelled her candidature from Mohania Assembly constituency.
Speaking to reporters, Shweta Suman alleged that the Election Commission officials were forced to cancel her candidature.
"Pressure was constantly being placed on the RO and CO from Delhi. They were forced to make this decision. They said they were helpless. The BJP, PM Modi, and Amit Shah were the ones putting pressure. Who else would be putting the pressure?" she said.
Shweta Suman said she would take the matter to court.
Additionally, she claimed that the election commission has given relaxation to BJP candidate Sangeeta Kumari, who also had 'irregularities' in her candidature.
"Sangeeta, the BJP candidate from here, submitted her caste certificate after the notification date, but she submitted it on 13 October. But since she is from the BJP, nothing will be done," she said.
This comes as a major blow for the RJD, ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI)