Controversy Surrounds Voter List Revision in Bihar Ahead of Elections

Bihar's newly released draft voter rolls have sparked significant controversy, with opposition parties claiming widespread inaccuracies and allegations of political bias. As many voters report issues such as wrong photographs and names of deceased individuals, the Election Commission faces growing scrutiny just months before key elections.

The recently published draft electoral rolls in Bihar, India, have provoked a wave of criticism after reports emerged of significant inaccuracies, including incorrect photographs and names of deceased individuals. With elections set to take place in November, the updated list includes 72.4 million names—a reduction of 6.5 million from the previous roll, raising concerns among opposition parties and voter advocacy groups.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted from June 25 to July 26 involved verification of voters from an initial pool of 78.9 million. The Election Commission cited necessary updates since the last revision in 2003, stating that deletions included 2.2 million deceased voters, 700,000 duplicates, and 3.6 million individuals who had moved out of the state. However, opposition parties have alleged that the process was conducted hastily, disproportionately affecting specific communities, particularly Muslims, to benefit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in upcoming elections.

The commission has firmly denied these claims, asserting its commitment to fairness and transparency, while failing to release the names of those removed or to provide specific demographic breakdowns that could allow independent verification of the allegations. Investigations by various media outlets have indicated a disproportionate number of deletions in Muslim-majority districts but not in others.

In the Indian Parliament, opposition members have called for discussions on the matter, demanding clarity and accountability. Activists, such as Jagdeep Chhokar from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), voiced concerns that the SIR process could disenfranchise millions, particularly among marginalised communities struggling with documentation requirements.

On the ground, residents of Bihar express substantial apprehension regarding the verification process. Reports from villages reveal confusion among voters, with many unaware of the SIR or its implications. Farmers and local residents have recounted troubling experiences of finding incorrect or damaged information in the draft rolls, with some families discovering that deceased relatives' names still appeared.

Chhokar indicated plans to challenge these irregularities in the Supreme Court as soon as possible, questioning the commission's ability to ensure a fair process within the constraints of time leading up to the elections. He emphasized the need for transparency, underscoring the disproportionate impact of the revisions on those already facing socioeconomic hardships.

Amid the backlash, the ruling alliance maintains that efforts are being made to correct previous errors, with officials defending the legitimacy of the list while pushing back against allegations of bias. As tensions rise, the implications of this electoral roll revision could play a critical role in shaping the political landscape of Bihar in the coming months, as both parties gear up for a contentious electoral battle.