The recently updated draft electoral rolls for Bihar state have come under fire due to allegations of including wrong photos, deceased individuals, and significant deletions. Opposition parties argue that the revisions, conducted before key elections, disproportionately affect Muslims and the marginalized, raising concerns over fair representation.
Controversial Voter Roll Updates in Bihar Spark Outrage Ahead of Elections
Controversial Voter Roll Updates in Bihar Spark Outrage Ahead of Elections
Bihar's electoral rolls update reveals discrepancies, including deceased individuals and incorrect images, igniting protests and political turmoil.
In a recent move that has ignited significant controversy, India's Election Commission released updated draft electoral rolls for Bihar, coinciding with crucial elections set for November. However, claims from opposition parties and various watchdog organizations suggest that vital errors plague the new list, leading to accusations of rushed procedures. With approximately 72.4 million names now on the rolls—6.5 million fewer than the previous count—critics assert that the process disproportionately removes voters, particularly in Muslim-majority regions.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, conducted from June 25 to July 26, aimed to verify details with officials responsible for checking each of the 78.9 million listed voters. Interrupted by irregularities, the revision reportedly saw a deletion of 2.2 million from the deceased, alongside cases of duplication and migration. Despite the commission's insistence that the deletions were necessary, the opposition contends that the erroneous removals will disenfranchise countless eligible voters amid allegations of politically motivated targeting.
Reports indicate considerable voter deletions in Muslim-majority districts, particularly Kishanganj, leading to accusations that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is benefiting at the expense of minority representation. The opposition parties have vocalized their discontent, demanding accountability while protesting in Parliament against perceived threats to democracy.
In Patna and its surrounding villages, many voters express confusion regarding the updates, with some residents unaware of the revisions' implications. Complaints of incorrect photos next to voter names have surfaced, with some individuals claiming that close relatives are still listed despite their passing. Additionally, issues regarding repeated names and inaccuracies abound, causing distress among residents who greatly value their voting rights.
As opposition leaders raise these concerns in court, the Supreme Court may evaluate calls for delaying the voter roll’s implementation to address the alleged shortcomings. While ruling parties defend the commission's efforts, attributing the revisions to necessary updates and heightened election integrity, observers remain skeptical of the timeline and execution of the SIR process, heightening tensions as voters seek clarity and security in their electoral participation.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, conducted from June 25 to July 26, aimed to verify details with officials responsible for checking each of the 78.9 million listed voters. Interrupted by irregularities, the revision reportedly saw a deletion of 2.2 million from the deceased, alongside cases of duplication and migration. Despite the commission's insistence that the deletions were necessary, the opposition contends that the erroneous removals will disenfranchise countless eligible voters amid allegations of politically motivated targeting.
Reports indicate considerable voter deletions in Muslim-majority districts, particularly Kishanganj, leading to accusations that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is benefiting at the expense of minority representation. The opposition parties have vocalized their discontent, demanding accountability while protesting in Parliament against perceived threats to democracy.
In Patna and its surrounding villages, many voters express confusion regarding the updates, with some residents unaware of the revisions' implications. Complaints of incorrect photos next to voter names have surfaced, with some individuals claiming that close relatives are still listed despite their passing. Additionally, issues regarding repeated names and inaccuracies abound, causing distress among residents who greatly value their voting rights.
As opposition leaders raise these concerns in court, the Supreme Court may evaluate calls for delaying the voter roll’s implementation to address the alleged shortcomings. While ruling parties defend the commission's efforts, attributing the revisions to necessary updates and heightened election integrity, observers remain skeptical of the timeline and execution of the SIR process, heightening tensions as voters seek clarity and security in their electoral participation.
