NATIONAL: Bihar’s Voter Roll Purge 3 Lakh Under Scrutiny
Special Intensive Revision Underway
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is executing a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls, with the draft list published on August 1, 2025, encompassing 7.24 crore voters.
The process, aimed at ensuring electoral integrity, has sparked significant debate as the September 1 deadline for objections approaches.
Citizenship Doubts Prompt Notices
Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) have issued notices to approximately 3 lakh individuals due to discrepancies in their voter documentation, raising concerns about their citizenship status.
Suspicions point to origins in Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, and Afghanistan, particularly in border districts like East Champaran, West Champaran, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Araria, and Supaul.
Verification Progress and Regional Focus
Field investigations by EROs have confirmed that 99.11% of Bihar’s 7.24 crore electors have submitted required documents for verification.
The highest concentration of questionable cases is reported in Seemanchal’s porous border regions, intensifying political scrutiny.
Surge in Claims and Objections
The ECI has received 2.11 lakh claims and objections, with 117 filed by political parties, predominantly from the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation (108 claims) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).
Notably, the Indian National Congress, despite opposing the SIR, has not lodged any formal complaints.
Political and Legal Tensions
The SIR’s timing, ahead of Bihar’s assembly elections, has drawn criticism from opposition parties, alleging potential disenfranchisement.
The Supreme Court has upheld the process but mandated acceptance of Aadhaar and 11 other documents to facilitate voter inclusion, addressing concerns about procedural fairness.
Next Steps and Final Roll
The claims and objections period concludes on September 1, with thorough verification scheduled between August 1 and 30.
The final electoral roll, expected on September 30, will reflect resolutions to these disputes, shaping the voter base for the upcoming polls.