Discrepancies in Bihar's Voter Rolls Spark Controversy Ahead of Elections

Recent updates to Bihar's electoral rolls have provoked backlash from opposition parties and voters, who claim inaccuracies and unfair exclusions could disenfranchise millions ahead of the upcoming elections. The Election Commission's revision process, conducted in a rushed manner, faces scrutiny for including deceased individuals and wrong photos, raising concerns about election integrity.

India's Election Commission has recently unveiled updated draft electoral rolls for the key Indian state of Bihar, setting off a wave of controversy as it comes just months before significant elections scheduled for November. The new list, which contains 72.4 million names, is 6.5 million fewer than the previous version. Critics, including opposition parties and election watchdogs, are voicing concerns that the voter revision process, known as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), was carried out hastily and inadequately.

The SIR, which was conducted between June 25 and July 26, was intended to update voter details by verifying information against approximately 78.9 million registered voters. However, many individuals have reported inaccuracies in the draft rolls, such as wrong photographs and even the names of deceased individuals. The Election Commission reported that the deletions accounted for 2.2 million deceased voters, 700,000 individuals registered multiple times, and 3.6 million who had migrated from the state.

Opposition parties allege that the voter roll revisions specifically target minority groups, such as Muslims in border districts, potentially skewing electoral outcomes in favor of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Election Commission and the BJP have dismissed these accusations, maintaining that the process was executed with transparency and fairness. In light of these concerns, the commission has said that corrections to the rolls will remain open until September 1.

In response to the uproar, parliament sessions have repeatedly stalled, with opposition members demanding debates on what they categorize as a direct threat to democracy. The Supreme Court is also investigating the timing and manner of the revision after watchdogs raised issues regarding its execution. Experts fear the rushed timeline could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters, particularly among marginalized communities who lack access to necessary documentation.

On the ground, many residents in Bihar are unaware of the SIR and its implications. Stories are emerging from villages, like that of Kharika, where voters describe encountering multiple errors in their details—some noting the presence of individuals who died years ago still listed as eligible. Local voices express a strong desire to maintain their voting rights, emphasizing its importance for accessing government benefits.

The opposition, particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), continues to question the legitimacy of the electoral process as ruling parties argue that the qualifications for voter registration are essential for maintaining electoral integrity. As the controversy unfolds, the Election Commission stands firm on the claim that the revisions are necessary and justified. The debate over the integrity of Bihar's voter rolls is expected to continue as the region approaches its critical elections.