NEW DELHI: Bihar deputy chief minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Sunday defended his party’s face identification demand of burqa-clad voters during polling in the assembly elections. He argued that if a woman wearing a ghoonghat (a veil traditionally worn by Hindu women) can lift it to cast her vote, the same rule should apply to women wearing a burqa (worn by Muslim women).

Speaking to reporters, Sinha said: “This has always been a subject of debate … voting was being done incorrectly while wearing a ‘burqa’ or a ‘ghoonghat’. So, it is valid to ask: if you can check (the identity) by removing ‘ghoonghat’, then why not while a ‘burqa’? The country is same for everyone.”He further stated that the BJP respects all forms of maternal power, describing it as a manifestation of Bhagwati, which empowers women to exercise their voting rights. Sinha emphasised that casting a vote is a constitutional responsibility, irrespective of attire.The BJP, an ally of the JD(U) in power, earlier raised concerns with the Election Commission of India (ECI) about verifying ‘parda nasheen’ (burqa-clad) women voters at polling booths. The party also suggested that the elections be held in one or two phases to ensure smooth conduct.The ECI, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, is currently reviewing the state’s preparedness ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. During its two-day visit, the commission held meetings with heads and nodal officers of enforcement agencies to assess law and order, polling station management, voter awareness, EVM logistics and overall coordination.The poll body also consulted representatives of national and state political parties, including JD(U), RJD, Congress, BSP, CPI(M), and AAP. Several parties requested that elections be scheduled after Chhath, the state’s major festival, to ensure maximum voter participation.During a press briefing ahead of the polls, CEC Kumar said that the elections will be held before November 22.