Bihar's electoral landscape is shrouded in controversy following the India Election Commission's release of new draft voter rolls, which reportedly include incorrect photographs and names of deceased individuals. With critical elections approaching in November, opposition parties and electoral charities have criticized the commission for rushing the process, which they argue disenfranchises many voters.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR), conducted from June 25 to July 26, aimed to update the state's electoral rolls. The commission stated that it visited the homes of 78.9 million voters for verification. Despite this, the new draft now lists 72.4 million names—6.5 million fewer than the previous count—which includes 2.2 million deceased individuals and duplicates.
Concerns have been raised particularly regarding voting rights for Muslims in border districts, where deletions appear disproportionately high. Political leaders accuse the commission of favoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in an electoral strategy. The Election Commission has dismissed these allegations, asserting that it is not liable for misinformation.
The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the SIR process, as watchdog groups argue that it could disenfranchise millions, particularly from marginalized communities. Citizens across Bihar have voiced their frustrations, reporting discrepancies on the draft rolls, with various residents in villages highlighting issues such as incorrect photos and duplications.
Activists fear that the initiative serves to complicate the voting process for many, especially among impoverished populations who struggle with documentation requirements. The situation has led to protests in Parliament as opposition demands accountability, echoing sentiments of possible manipulation just months ahead of the polls.
As the political divide deepens, the ruling Janata Dal (United) - BJP coalition defends the exercise as necessary corrective measures, while opposition parties assert it represents an unjust targeting of specific communities. With an ongoing debate over the integrity of the electoral process, pressure is mounting on officials to address the numerous irregularities reported across the state.
