Bihar polls: NHRC issues notice to election officials over RJD’s viral election song with minors, promoting caste-based hatred

Acting on a complaint alleging that a viral election song from Samastipur, supported and promoted by the workers of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), features children and spreads caste-based hatred, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday (November 10, 2025) issued notices to the Election Commission in Bihar.

The notice was sent to the Chief Election Commissioner, the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar, and the district police and administrative authorities in Samastipur from the bench of NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo, who asked the concerned officials to inquire into the matter and take urgent steps to prevent the exploitation of minors by RJD workers or supporters.

The notice further directed the authorities to ensure the protection of child rights under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. They have been asked to provide counselling to the children featured in the video, as well as to their parents or guardians, if required.

Action Taken Report sought

An Action Taken Report (ATR) has been sought by the NHRC within two weeks for its perusal. According to the complaint, the language and presentation of the song are “provocative, divisive, and aimed at deepening caste-based animosity in society”. The complainant alleged that such actions reflect the dangerous influence of RJD’s caste-based ideology, which could harm the moral and psychological development of children and undermine democratic and constitutional values.

The complainant emphasised that using minors in such propaganda violates the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, and Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution. It further requested for an immediate and independent investigation, accountability of those involved in the video’s creation and dissemination, and strict legal action and immediate measures to prevent any political party, especially the RJD, from involving minors in caste-based or hate-driven propaganda in the future.