July 29, 2025

The Election Commission (EC) has recently issued a statement refuting claims that the draft voters' list scheduled for publication in Bihar is final. This reaction comes as political tensions rise in the state ahead of upcoming elections, with various opposition parties expressing concerns about the potential disenfranchisement of citizens. According to the EC, there's a full month, from August 1 to September 1, allocated for voters to register any objections or corrections to their entries on the list. Despite this, the commission has observed a narrative suggesting the draft list cannot be altered. The EC questions why there’s such frenzy when there’s still time for rectifications. As part of this revision process, house-to-house surveys were conducted, and the EC received enumeration forms from approximately 7.24 crore electors. However, the commission uncovered discrepancies as well, noting that around 36 lakh individuals have either moved away permanently or could not be located. Moreover, there seems to be an issue with multiple enrollments, with 700,000 electors found registered at more than one location. In response to opposition claims, the EC encouraged the utilization of booth-level agents to file claims and objections during the correction window. They reiterated that the draft list is not the final version, and there are established procedures to ensure adequate representation of voters. Various opposition parties, including Congress and CPI(ML), have criticized this revision process, arguing that it might disenfranchise large numbers of citizens due to document requirements. Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi stated that this effort appears more like a 'citizenship test' rather than a fair electoral process. Singhvi not only requested the EC to reconsider this initiative but also urged them to avoid what he termed 'institutional arrogance'. However, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended the EC's revision work, claiming it aims to enhance transparency in electoral rolls. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi dismissed the opposition's fears, alleging that their concerns stem from a desire to preserve an outdated system which has led to the infiltration of non-citizens, resulting in altered demographics across certain constituencies. As Bihar's legislative elections approach, the debate over the draft voters' list highlights ongoing tensions between the ruling party and its adversaries, showcasing a broader discourse about electoral integrity and the rights of citizens to fair participation in the democratic process. The situation continues to evolve as stakeholders from various political factions express their views, further fueling the politics surrounding voter registration in Bihar. With the state gearing up for elections, the Election Commission’s role and the reactions of political parties will be critically observed as they navigate this contentious atmosphere.

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Tags: Election commission, Bihar, Voters' list, Opposition parties, Bjp,