Patna: The Election Commission has ordered an inquiry into allegations that Rinku Kumari, wife of RJD candidate and sitting MLA and local strongmen Ritlal Yadav, campaigned for her husband while serving as a government employee in Danapur. Kumari currently holds the post of headmaster at a government primary school.
The controversy surfaced after Circle Officer (CO) Chandan Kumar lodged a written complaint at Khagaul police station, citing viral videos and screenshots showing Kumari participating in election campaigning. The material, which circulated widely on social media, prompted immediate attention from district election authorities.
Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Divya Shakti has written to the District Magistrate and District Election Officer recommending Kumari’s suspension pending inquiry. “If the allegations are proven, strict departmental action will follow,” an official said, adding that campaigning by a government employee constitutes a violation of the Model Code of Conduct.
Responding to the allegations, Rinku Kumari denied wrongdoing, alleging harassment by local officials. “The police repeatedly visit my home and accuse me of campaigning. My family and children are being threatened,” she said.
The RJD has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter.
Danapur, part of the Pataliputra Lok Sabha constituency, remains one of Patna’s most politically charged seats, with RJD’s Ritlal Yadav facing a direct challenge from BJP leader Ramkripal Yadav. With caste dynamics and local development issues dominating discourse, the controversy adds another layer of tension to an already heated election battle.
