Bihar’s Electoral Roll Revision: A Controversial Cleanup Ahead of Assembly Elections
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has finalized the electoral roll for Bihar, revealing a total of 74.2 million voters. This figure marks a significant reduction of approximately 4.7 million names compared to the initial draft published earlier this year. The completion of this special intensive revision (SIR) has sparked considerable debate, raising questions about the integrity and inclusivity of the electoral process in the state.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
The SIR process, which began on July 1, aimed to update the electoral rolls for the upcoming assembly elections. The initial draft roll, released on August 1, listed 72.4 million voters, reflecting a decrease of 6.56 million names from the rolls published on January 1. Over the course of the two-month verification period, the ECI reported that 6.9 million names were deleted, while only 2.15 million were added. This stark imbalance has raised alarms among various political factions and civil society groups.
The ECI has defended the deletions as necessary to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. According to the commission, the removals were primarily due to voters being deceased, having moved away, or being duplicates. However, the lack of transparency regarding the specific reasons for each deletion has fueled skepticism.
Historical Context and Implications
Bihar’s electoral rolls have not undergone a comprehensive revision since 2003, making this exercise particularly crucial. The state has experienced significant demographic changes over the past two decades, including urbanization and migration, which necessitate an updated voter registry. The ECI has argued that the SIR was essential to reflect these changes accurately.
However, the scale of deletions has drawn criticism. Opposition parties have accused the ECI of undermining electoral democracy, claiming that the process disproportionately affected marginalized communities. The Supreme Court has intervened, directing the ECI to publish a searchable list of the deleted names along with the reasons for their removal. This move aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
The Process of Revision
The SIR involved multiple phases, including the distribution of pre-filled forms by booth-level officers across 38 districts. Voters were required to provide proof of their eligibility, with varying documentation requirements based on their birth year. Initially, Aadhaar cards were not included in the list of acceptable documents, but following the Supreme Court’s intervention, they were added as a valid form of identification.
The claims and objections process allowed voters to contest deletions or apply for inclusion. Despite these measures, nearly 100,000 names were removed due to non-submission of proof or unverifiable documents, raising concerns about the accessibility of the process for all voters.
Political Reactions
The final electoral roll has elicited strong reactions from various political leaders. Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram expressed deep concerns, stating that the excessive deletions and minimal additions undermine the democratic process. He vowed to challenge the ECI’s decisions both legally and through public protests.
In contrast, Union Minister Chirag Paswan of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) defended the SIR process, asserting that it was aimed at ensuring fairness rather than suppressing voter participation. He criticized the opposition’s claims as theatrics, emphasizing that the final rolls reflect a commitment to a clean electoral process.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Elections
As the ECI prepares for the upcoming assembly elections, scheduled announcements are expected within the next two weeks. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and other senior officials will visit Bihar to assess the state’s election readiness, including logistics and security arrangements.
The Supreme Court has scheduled a final hearing for October 7, where it may annul the entire electoral roll if any irregularities are found in the revision process. This looming decision adds another layer of uncertainty to an already contentious electoral landscape.
Conclusion
The finalization of Bihar’s electoral rolls has opened a Pandora’s box of questions regarding the integrity and inclusivity of the electoral process. With significant deletions and a contentious revision process, the upcoming assembly elections will be closely scrutinized. As political parties gear up for the electoral battle, the ECI’s actions will be pivotal in shaping the future of democracy in Bihar. The stakes are high, and the implications of this revision will resonate far beyond the state’s borders, influencing national conversations about electoral integrity and representation.
