In the midst of the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar, the Election Commission (EC) clarified on Sunday that there has been no alteration in the process, which continues to be implemented smoothly on the ground level.
According to PTI, the Election Commission had directed the commencement of voter list updates in Bihar on June 24, 2025, aiming to remove ineligible names and retain only eligible citizens on the list. The EC stated that voters have until July 26, 2025, to submit their documents. Those unable to provide documents by this date will still have opportunities during the claims and objections period. The EC also mentioned that some individuals, without reading the SIR guidelines, are misleading the public with deceptive statements, urging people to remain vigilant against such claims.
Why Did EC Provide Clarification?
The clarification from the EC came after a newspaper advertisement regarding the process caused confusion on social media. This ad stated that 'only filling the form is required, no document submission', which led Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to post on X, accusing BJP-RSS of a conspiracy aiming to strip voting rights from Dalits and the disadvantaged.
Read More: Bihar: Voter List Controversy Emerges Amid Relief for Voters! People Can Submit Calculation Forms Without Documents
Opposition Raises Questions
Meanwhile, Bihar Congress President Rajesh Kumar, in a press conference, remarked that this advertisement reflects the incompetence of the Election Commission and raises suspicions of unethical assistance to the ruling party. On this issue, opposition parties in Bihar have expressed their concerns by meeting the Election Commission in New Delhi and Patna.
Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav questioned why the voter list was revised simultaneously across the country in 2003 but is being done only in Bihar this time? On the other hand, the BJP-led NDA defended the process, accusing the opposition of searching for excuses for an anticipated defeat.
Update Process According to June 24 Orders
The State's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office on Sunday stated that SIR is proceeding according to the Election Commission's June 24, 2025 directives. Names of voters who have filled nomination forms will be included in the draft voter list to be released on August 1, 2025. The CEO also clarified that current voters will be given additional time to submit documents, and this process is in full compliance with the Election Commission's instructions.
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Why is Updating Necessary?
According to the Election Commission, due to rapid urbanization, continuous migration, young citizens becoming eligible to vote, failure to report deaths, and names of illegal foreign residents, updating is necessary. The commission aims to create an error-free, credible voter list through this process, maintaining the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
