The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign for the voter list is underway in Bihar. Amidst this, reports of irregularities, mismanagement, and negligence are emerging from several districts. Ground reports from Muzaffarpur, Raxaul, Katihar, Begusarai, and Araria reveal flaws questioning the system's intentions. Some BLOs have been reassigned to new areas without prior notice, and forms are being filled based on Aadhaar card data alone. In response, some districts have taken stern actions including FIRs, suspensions, and resignations.
Muzaffarpur: Challenges in House-to-House Identification
Ground reports from Muzaffarpur indicate that several BLOs were assigned to new areas without prior briefing, leading to difficulties in identifying voters through door-to-door visits. Ajay Kumar, a BLO, reported receiving a list of 1,354 voters, with about 750 forms uploaded, but navigating these unfamiliar territories for voter identification is challenging. Local councilors are aiding the BLOs in reaching people.
When asked about the progress, he claimed 90% of the work was complete. However, the stack of unfilled forms in his possession cast doubt on this claim. BLOs have been seen traversing the area on bicycles, indicating limited regional resources.
Interview with BLO on Aaj Tak
Reporter:
How many voters’ list have you received?
BLO:
Total of 1,354 voters.Reporter: How many forms have been uploaded so far?
BLO:
About 750 are uploaded.Reporter: What challenges are you facing?
BLO:
New area assignment is time-consuming for finding homes. We're seeking help from councilors.
Also Read: Bihar: Surprising Rise in Demand for Domicile Certificates in Kishanganj, Officials Suspect Fake Applications
The BLO mentioned that people mostly provide residential proof, school certificates, and copies of the 2003 voter list. For those without documents, forms are being accepted initially and documents requested later.
Allegations of Form Filling Based on Collected Aadhaar Cards
In Muzaffarpur's Sikandar Kunda area, BLO Pankaj Kumar faces serious allegations of form filling without verification. Aaj Tak's team caught him filling forms from one neighborhood house using 7-8 Aadhaar cards. He claims to fill in birthdates and father names based on Aadhaar but gives evasive answers about verification.
When queried about the voters’ status or transfers, the BLO didn’t provide clear answers. Such cases hint at forms being uploaded without proper verification.
Raxaul and Motihari: Voter Forms Based Solely on Aadhaar
In East Champaran's Raxaul, forms are being filled using just Aadhaar numbers and birth dates. When questioned, SDM and Returning Officer, Manish Kumar, acknowledged that the current aim is not to miss anyone, with essential documents to be collected in the next phase.
Also Read: Ground Report: Confusion Among Voters in Bihar and BLO Stress from Muzaffarpur to Purnia
Meanwhile, in Motihari, about 5,000 personnel have been deployed for approximately 3.7 million voters. A supervisor is appointed for every 10 BLOs, and oversight is by BDOs, SDOs, and DMs. However, adherence to election commission-prescribed document verification is lacking.
Election Commission Requirements...
Voters born before July 1, 1987, need to provide either the 2003 voter list or one of 11 listed documents.
Voters born between July 1, 1987, and December 2, 2004, must provide one of the 11 documents and proof of one parent listed in the 2003 voter list.
Voters born after December 2, 2004, need documents from both parents.
Daughters migrating from countries like Nepal need Indian citizenship and can only be added to the voter list seven years post-marriage.
Many voters lack the documents demanded by the Election Commission in voter revision forms. Social activist Ranjit from Raxaul questions these guidelines, pointing out that women from Nepal married in India have already voted in local, legislative, and parliamentary elections, regardless of lacking citizenship proof—possessing Aadhaar, ration, and voter cards instead. While officials claim adherence to the commission's directions, they only demand the documented 11 items.
Also Read: Ground Report: Aadhaar and Documents Mysteries... How Voter Verification Progresses in Bihar
Araria: Online Approval Without Voter Form Submission
A startling new issue arises in Araria's Rampur area: most Muslim voters claim no form submission by them, BLOs didn’t visit, yet they receive messages of form approval and uploads on their phones.
This revelation stirs anxiety over possible voter exclusion come election time. When our team attempted to contact the BDO, calls went unanswered, pointing to significant shortcomings in the voter revision campaign.
Begusarai and Katihar: Officer Action, RJD Criticizes Government
In Begusarai, an FIR filed against a BLO, while Katihar witnesses BDO resignations and suspensions. RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari criticizes the government's and election commission's accountability amidst rampant grassroots mismanagement.
'86.32% Form Submission, 90.84% Voter Coverage'
The Bihar Chief Electoral Office reports July 25 as the last date for EF form submissions. 6.81 crore (86.32%) forms have been submitted out of 7.89 crore voters. Authorities claim 90.84% voter coverage, with a third campaign phase set to target the remaining 9.16%.
Also Read: Female BLO Found Sleeping at Duty in Patna, Flees from Camera... Ground Report on Voter Verification
Special camps are organized across all 5,683 wards in the state with newspaper ads urging citizens to submit forms. The draft voter list will be published on August 1.
