NEW DELHI: After a string of bizarre applications during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, a fresh prank has emerged — this time involving none other than US President Donald Trump. Authorities in Samastipur district were left stunned after an online application was filed on July 29, claiming Trump as a resident of Hasanpur village.The application even included a photograph of the MAGA chief and listed his parents’ names as Frederick Christ Trump and Mary Anne MacLeod, matching real-life details. However, officials rejected the application on August 4 and have since lodged an FIR at the Cyber Police Station in Samastipur to identify the culprit.“It appears there is a diabolical attempt to negatively impact the special intensive revision of electoral rolls which is underway as per the instructions of the Election Commission,” the district administration said in a statement.The incident is not the first. Similar fake applications have surfaced across Bihar since the EC’s revision drive began in June. These include requests in rural Patna and Nawada in the name of dogs ‘Dog Babu’ and ‘Dogesh Babu’, and one in East Champaran where the applicant was listed as ‘Sonalika Tractor’, with the photo of a Bhojpuri actress.Also Read | Dog Babu, Kutta Babu & Kutiya Devi: Amid Bihar’s SIR drive, dog gets residence certificate; oppn roasts EC, Nitish govtAll such applications were rejected, and FIRs have been filed in each case. “In view of the seriousness of the offence, a case has been lodged at the Cyber police station, Samastipur, for appropriate investigation and action,” the administration added.The matter soon took a political turn. Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala shared a news clip online, alleging, “This is the biggest proof that electoral roll revision in Bihar is a fraud, aimed at stealing votes. Congress and Rahul Gandhi are fighting to thwart this design. Keeping quiet in such a situation is a crime. Let us all raise our voices and become watchdogs of democracy.”The administration clarified in response, “The certificate has never been issued. Somebody has deliberately made such an application and it was rejected during scrutiny. An FIR has also been lodged. The guilty will not be spared.”Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also mocked the situation by sharing an image of the application on social media with the caption, “SIR, welcome to Bihar.”Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra posted a video on X and stating, “Bihar’s SIR has President Trump from Samastipur & Ram S/O Dashrath & Kaushalya from Khagaria. Only Lord Ram can save us from @ECISVEEP madness!”
