India, Oct. 5 -- A major political row has erupted in Bihar after state BJP president Dilip Jaiswal demanded face verification of burqa-clad women voters in the upcoming assembly election.

Opposition parties have accused the BJP of spreading communal polarization, while the party's ally, the Janata Dal (United), has distanced itself from the remarks.

"Only genuine voters should be allowed to vote. The Election Commission must ensure face verification," Jaiswal said after the meeting, where representatives of all major political parties presented their suggestions for the upcoming polls.

Opposition reaction

The remark drew sharp criticism from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Party MP Abhay Kushwaha, who led his party's delegation to th...