PATNA, Sept. 28 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI)'s statement denying allegations of an internal rift and clarifying its stand on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls seems to have put an end to differing tones within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar. Union minister and LJP-RV chief Chirag Paswan, who had asked EC to "clear its stand in the wake of misgivings in the minds of the people", said that the election body's pointed reply would "further strengthens public trust in democracy and expose the Opposition game-plan". "Whenever any question or concern arises in the public's mind, it is my responsibility to bring it forward and ensure a clear resolution. Our expectation was that the EC would take those concerns seriously and clarify every aspect and it has happened. The process of SIR, the unanimous agreement of all three commissioners, and the facts related to the meeting with the Cabinet Secretary have been clearly presented in the EC reply. This will strengthen public trust in democracy," he added, in his post on X. However, he did attack the Bihar government for growing incidents of crime, especially against women, in a TV programme. "I myself feel ashamed for being part of a government under which law and order situation has become a matter of concern. Nobody can take it lightly," he added. Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) chief Upendra Kushwaha, who had also sought clarification from EC, said that the election body's reply had not left any room for confusions and the opposition parties should feel ashamed of such a despicable attempt, and "Congress leader Rahul Gandhi ji should apologise to the people of the country". "The Opposition parties are not shying away from misleading the country's public and such misdeeds are a conspiracy to weaken the foundations of democracy. The EC has silenced them all with clarity," he added. Terming the EC statement apt, the JD-U also attacked the Opposition for "creating the misconception that there was no consensus within the Commission on SIR and that the Cabinet Secretary had to intervene, which have been debunked by full EC". "The EC statement has once again made it clear that decisions such as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) are taken collectively and in strict adherence to institutional processes. The official records vouch for it. The meeting with Cabinet Secretary was also to discuss an officer who had arrived on deputation. it is regrettable to engage in malicious propaganda against a constitutional body like the EC, and the opposition should apologize," said JD(U) working president Sanjay Jha. Jha said the periodic revision of the electoral roll (SIR) is essential to prevent bogus voting and maintain the sanctity of democracy. "In the 20 states and Union Territories, including Bihar, where SIR has been completed, sufficient time and opportunities have been provided for amendments. Bihar was the first state where the SIR process was completed and elections were held without complaint. The consistent defeat of the Opposition has made them spread propaganda, but it will not help," he added. Bihar BJP president Sanjay Sarogi said that the Congress and the opposition like the RJD were only engaged in the politics of spreading confusion, as they had lost complete trust of the people. "Wherever they win, everything is fine; and wherever they lose, they point fingers at constitutional institutions by making excuses like EVM, SIR or something else," he added....