Controversy Erupts Over Bihar's New Voter List Amid Claims of Discrepancies

The recent revision to Bihar state's electoral rolls has ignited controversy, with accusations of inaccuracies—including incorrect voter photos and the names of the deceased—leading to concerns about election integrity. Opposition parties allege that these discrepancies disproportionately affect certain communities, raising questions about the fairness of the voter verification process.

The Election Commission of India recently released new draft electoral rolls for Bihar state ahead of crucial elections in November. This update follows a month-long exercise called the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), intended to verify voter details across the state. However, opposition parties and various election watchdogs have criticized the implementation as rushed and filled with irregularities, claiming it could disenfranchise eligible voters.

Data indicates that the updated voter list contains 72.4 million names—6.5 million fewer than during the previous revision. The commission estimated that around 2.2 million names were removed due to death, while others were deleted due to double registrations or migration. Corrections remain open until September 1, with over 165,000 applications submitted for name verifications.

Amidst the revisions, significant outcry has emerged, particularly from opposition parties who argue that the process unfairly affects minority groups—most notably Muslims—in districts where they constitute a large population. Accusations claim that by omitting specific voters, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeks to manipulate electoral outcomes. Both the Election Commission and the BJP have denied these allegations, although they have not released a detailed breakdown of the deletions.

Reports from various constituencies have shown significant voter deletions, with observations of high numbers of removed names in districts with large Muslim populations, such as Kishanganj. Nevertheless, the commission maintains that all eligible voters will have the chance to verify their information and ensure they are included on the rolls.

The situation has escalated parliamentary tensions, with opposition members demanding discussions about the potential threat posed to democracy. Activists argue that the SIR may disenfranchise millions of voters, particularly among marginalized communities that may struggle to provide required proof of citizenship.

On-the-ground reports from voters in Bihar reveal a concerning lack of awareness regarding SIR, with many residents unsure of its significance for their voting rights. Instances of erroneous information within the drafts, including incorrect photos and names of deceased individuals, have been documented, leading to frustration among affected citizens.

As this scenario plays out in the courts, stakeholders from various political parties find themselves divided. The opposition urges a reconsideration of the SIR process, while the ruling alliance defends it as necessary for maintaining the integrity of the electoral system. The situation remains fluid, as the implications of this revision could reverberate through Bihar's electoral landscape in the months to come.