The first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar has concluded, revealing irregularities. From Parliament to the Supreme Court, the issue has sparked intense debate. During the monsoon session, opposition MPs have fiercely opposed the SIR process in Bihar, alleging it undermines voters' rights.
Response Submitted to the Supreme Court
In a reply to the Election Commission's affidavit, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have leveled several charges of irregularities in the survey. Petitioners informed the Supreme Court of rampant fraud in the voter list revision.
Also Read: '51 Lakh Voters May Be Removed from Bihar's Voter List', Election Commission Updates on SIR
Reports indicate forms were filed in the names of deceased individuals, and online forms were submitted without voters’ knowledge. It was alleged that BLOs themselves were signing documents. Forms were reportedly filled for deceased individuals.
Messages Received Without Forms Being Filled
There are allegations that people who never filled out forms received messages on their phones confirming submission. Contrary to the Election Commission’s claims of no irregularities, ADR and Bihar's primary opposition party RJD argued in their Supreme Court response that evidence of such irregularities renders the data meaningless.
Petitioners claim most forms were submitted without proper documentation. A significant number of voters face the threat of disenfranchisement. RJD MP and petitioner Manoj Jha highlighted that BLOs are submitting forms online without informing the voters.
Allegations of Negligence in SIR Process
The petition filed in the Supreme Court states that in several cases, BLOs did not visit the neighborhoods or households. Voters did not receive duplicate copies or receipts of their forms. Forms were uploaded without photographs. ADR informed the Supreme Court that forms were submitted in the absence of required documents and the voter. The petitioners emphasized that this process lacks transparency and accountability.
Also Read: Will Voter Verification Extend Beyond Bihar? Election Commission’s June 24 Directive
The Election Commission notes that during the survey, 18 lakh voters who have died will be removed from the list. Additionally, 26 lakh voters were identified as having moved outside Bihar or to other constituencies. Moreover, 7 lakh individuals were found to be registered in two locations, which violates regulations. As a result, 51 lakh voters' names may be removed from Bihar's voter list.
