Controversy Erupts Over Bihar's Updated Voter Rolls Ahead of Elections

Bihar's Election Commission faces backlash as updated voter rolls show incorrect photographs and the names of deceased individuals, with claims of rushed processes aimed at favoring the ruling party as elections approach.

The Election Commission of Bihar recently released an updated draft of electoral rolls as key elections approach in November. However, the announcement has sparked controversy, with opposition parties and various election watchdogs claiming that the revision was haphazard and resulted in significant errors. Voters have reported that the new rolls not only contain incorrect photographs but also the names of deceased individuals.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) took place from June 25 to July 26 and was the first update since 2003. The commission reported a decrease in the number of registered voters, with 72.4 million names listed, down 6.5 million from previous totals. They asserted that deletions included over 2.2 million deceased individuals, along with overlapping registrations and those who had moved out of the state.

As the period for corrections remains open until September 1, more than 165,000 applications for updates have been received. Yet, allegations of voter disenfranchisement, particularly against Muslims in border districts, have surfaced, raising questions about the process's integrity as election time nears.

Opposition leaders have vehemently criticized the Election Commission, suggesting that efforts to modernize the voters' list risk unjustly excluding many eligible voters, thereby benefiting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The commission, however, denied these accusations and dismissed them as politically motivated misinformation.

Concerns have increased with claims that the process of verifying voters was inadequate, leaving many in marginalized communities vulnerable. Recent visits to villages revealed a lack of awareness about the SIR, with many residents expressing deep concern about potentially losing their voting rights—a loss that could further entrench poverty in these already disadvantaged areas.

Residents have reported extensive errors in the draft list, with individuals identifying mismatches and the inclusion of names that do not correlate with living persons. As people try to navigate this confusion, stakeholder bodies like the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) plan to address the concerning issues through judicial channels.

Criticism has led to heated debates in Parliament, where opposition MPs have demanded discussions on the perceived threat this situation poses to democracy. Meanwhile, ruling party members have defended the commission's actions and characterized the criticisms as politically motivated.

Despite the tension, the Election Commission maintains that it has acted transparently and that proper measures are in place to ensure valid voter registration. However, the lack of transparency regarding those removed from the list has made it difficult for concerned parties to validate or challenge the commission's assertions.

As the electoral process unfolds, the integrity of voter registration in Bihar remains a contentious issue, reflecting broader national concerns about democratic practices in India.