The updated draft electoral rolls released by India's Election Commission for Bihar state has stirred significant criticism due to alleged errors and the inclusion of voters who have passed away. As Bihar prepares for key elections in November, opposition parties and community organizations express concern that the rushed revision process may have excluded many eligible voters.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) took place between June 25 and July 26, with officials claiming to have verified the details of nearly 78.9 million voters in the state. However, the new draft contains 72.4 million names—a reduction of 6.5 million compared to previous records. The Commission stated deletions were necessary to remove names of deceased individuals, multiple registrants, and those who have migrated.
Despite these assurances, opposition parties argue that the revision disproportionately impacted Muslim voters, particularly in border districts with higher Muslim populations, casting doubts on the integrity of the electoral process. A review by the Hindustan Times newspaper indicated a notable increase in deletions in districts like Kishanganj, raising concerns about potential political motivations behind these changes.
Parliamentary sessions have been disrupted as opposition members seek a debate on the matter, viewing it as a serious threat to democracy. Nationwide reviews to update the voter lists for almost a billion people are also scheduled, further complicating the political landscape.
Jagdeep Chhokar from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has raised alarms about the potential disenfranchisement of millions, especially among marginalized groups, linking the timing of the SIR to the forthcoming state elections. Many local voters remain uninformed about the SIR process and its implications for their voting rights.
In various villages, residents report numerous inconsistencies, including incorrect photographs next to their names and the listing of deceased relatives. Such errors have led to rising frustration among voters who fear their ability to participate in the electoral process is under threat.
As court reviews of the new draft rolls are underway, the opposition and various watchdog groups continue to express concern that the current revision lacks transparency and was executed without adequate public awareness or support. Bihar's political factions are divided, with the ruling parties backing the voter roll updates while opposition leaders demand accountability and an investigation into the reported discrepancies.
In the face of these challenges, Bihar's electoral integrity hangs in the balance as the state heads toward a crucial election cycle.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) took place between June 25 and July 26, with officials claiming to have verified the details of nearly 78.9 million voters in the state. However, the new draft contains 72.4 million names—a reduction of 6.5 million compared to previous records. The Commission stated deletions were necessary to remove names of deceased individuals, multiple registrants, and those who have migrated.
Despite these assurances, opposition parties argue that the revision disproportionately impacted Muslim voters, particularly in border districts with higher Muslim populations, casting doubts on the integrity of the electoral process. A review by the Hindustan Times newspaper indicated a notable increase in deletions in districts like Kishanganj, raising concerns about potential political motivations behind these changes.
Parliamentary sessions have been disrupted as opposition members seek a debate on the matter, viewing it as a serious threat to democracy. Nationwide reviews to update the voter lists for almost a billion people are also scheduled, further complicating the political landscape.
Jagdeep Chhokar from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has raised alarms about the potential disenfranchisement of millions, especially among marginalized groups, linking the timing of the SIR to the forthcoming state elections. Many local voters remain uninformed about the SIR process and its implications for their voting rights.
In various villages, residents report numerous inconsistencies, including incorrect photographs next to their names and the listing of deceased relatives. Such errors have led to rising frustration among voters who fear their ability to participate in the electoral process is under threat.
As court reviews of the new draft rolls are underway, the opposition and various watchdog groups continue to express concern that the current revision lacks transparency and was executed without adequate public awareness or support. Bihar's political factions are divided, with the ruling parties backing the voter roll updates while opposition leaders demand accountability and an investigation into the reported discrepancies.
In the face of these challenges, Bihar's electoral integrity hangs in the balance as the state heads toward a crucial election cycle.
