Significant Decline in Bihar’s Electoral Roll: Women Bear the Brunt
NEW DELHI: Bihar’s electoral landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation in 2025, with the state witnessing a substantial contraction in its voter base. According to data released during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, the electoral roll has decreased by over 38 lakh voters, dropping from 7.80 crore at the beginning of the year to 7.41 crore by September 30. This decline raises critical questions about voter registration practices and gender disparities in electoral participation.
Gender Disparities in Voter Deletions
The data reveals a stark gender imbalance in the deletions from the electoral roll. While the number of male voters fell from 4.07 crore to 3.92 crore-a reduction of 3.8%-the number of female voters saw a more pronounced decline, plummeting from 3.72 crore to 3.49 crore, which translates to a 6.1% decrease. In absolute terms, this means that approximately 22.75 lakh women were removed from the rolls, compared to 15.55 lakh men. Alarmingly, nearly 60% of the deletions involved women, highlighting a troubling trend in voter registration practices.
District-Level Analysis: A Closer Look
The gender disparity is not just a state-wide issue; it is evident across various districts in Bihar. For instance, in Muzaffarpur, the electoral roll decreased from 34.14 lakh to 32.91 lakh, with male voters declining by 4.3% and female voters by 4.4%. Similarly, in Madhubani, the roll shrank from 33.37 lakh to 31.09 lakh, where women experienced an 8.2% decline compared to a 5.5% drop among men.
In Patna, the state’s capital and largest district, the electoral roll fell from 50.03 lakh to 48.15 lakh, with reductions of 3.5% for men and 4.1% for women. The trend continues in Samastipur, where the roll contracted from 30.87 lakh to 29.26 lakh, with women’s numbers decreasing by 6.7% compared to 3.8% for men.
Severe Imbalances in Smaller Districts
The situation is even more pronounced in smaller districts. Gopalganj, for example, saw a staggering overall decline of 11.3%, with women’s numbers dropping by nearly 15% while men’s decreased by only 7.8%. In Kishanganj, the overall loss was more than 10,000 voters, but women faced an 11.9% decline compared to 5.5% for men. Such disparities raise concerns about the systemic issues affecting women’s voter registration.
Factors Contributing to the Disparity
Election Commission officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, have attributed part of this skewed data to “social and cross-border factors.” In northern Bihar, particularly in border districts, many women from Nepal marry into Indian families but do not renounce their Nepali citizenship. This lack of full documentation makes them more susceptible to having their names removed during the verification process.
Moreover, societal norms often prioritize the registration of male voters over female voters. Families may exhibit less urgency in registering women, especially those who have married into new households. This cultural bias not only affects the current electoral roll but also has long-term implications for women’s political participation in the state.
Historical Context: Women in Bihar’s Politics
Historically, Bihar has faced challenges in ensuring equal representation for women in politics. Despite various initiatives aimed at empowering women, such as the reservation of seats for women in local bodies, the electoral participation of women remains disproportionately low. The current data underscores the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
The Broader Implications
The decline in Bihar’s electoral roll, particularly among women, raises significant concerns about the future of democratic participation in the state. As the country approaches upcoming elections, the implications of this trend could be far-reaching. A shrinking voter base, especially among women, could lead to skewed electoral outcomes and diminish the representation of women’s interests in governance.
Conclusion
The recent data on Bihar’s electoral roll highlights a troubling trend of declining voter registration, particularly among women. With nearly 60% of deletions affecting female voters, it is imperative for policymakers and electoral authorities to address the underlying social and systemic issues contributing to this disparity. As Bihar navigates its electoral future, ensuring equal representation and participation for all citizens, regardless of gender, will be crucial for the health of its democracy.
