The new draft electoral rolls released by India's Election Commission for Bihar have sparked significant controversy as they allegedly include incorrect voter photos and even the names of deceased individuals. Scheduled for crucial elections in November, the list has faced accusations of being hastily prepared without due diligence, raising fears about disenfranchisement among marginalized electorates.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process was conducted from June 25 to July 26, with claims that Election Commission officials visited every home among the 78.9 million listed voters. However, the resulting draft roll counts 72.4 million voters, a reduction of 6.5 million. The commission stated that deletions were due to the identification of 2.2 million deceased, 700,000 duplicates, and 3.6 million individuals who have moved out of the state.
Despite the Election Commission’s assurances, opposition parties argue that many eligible voters, particularly within Muslim communities in border districts, have been excluded to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The commission has not disclosed the names removed from the list or provided breakdowns by community, making it challenging to assess these claims.
Amidst rising discontent, parliamentary sessions have been disrupted by calls from opposition MPs demanding discussions on what they describe as a democratic threat. Concerns have also reached the Supreme Court, where it is being argued that inadequate time was allotted for this phase of voter registration.
Jagdeep Chhokar of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has raised alarm over the potential exclusion of millions of voters, asserting that the SIR process unfairly burdens individuals with proving their citizenship without adequate support. Many citizens express dismay over the errors that impact their voting eligibility and their economic stability.
In rural communities, anecdotal evidence points to widespread ignorance about the process. Reports from various villages reflect a lack of understanding about the SIR, prompting fears that losing the right to vote will exacerbate poverty conditions. Personal anecdotes reveal that residents have discovered wrong photographs or other mistakes on their cards, indicating possible negligence in the revision process.
Critics within opposition parties emphasize the need for more thorough checks while maintaining that the ongoing process could manipulate electoral outcomes in favor of the BJP. Supporters of the ruling coalition argue that addressing duplicates in voter registration is essential for a fair electoral process.
As dissent grows, many in Bihar’s poorest areas are anxiously awaiting resolution as the Supreme Court prepares to address ongoing grievances related to the electoral rolls amidst the backdrop of an approaching election season.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process was conducted from June 25 to July 26, with claims that Election Commission officials visited every home among the 78.9 million listed voters. However, the resulting draft roll counts 72.4 million voters, a reduction of 6.5 million. The commission stated that deletions were due to the identification of 2.2 million deceased, 700,000 duplicates, and 3.6 million individuals who have moved out of the state.
Despite the Election Commission’s assurances, opposition parties argue that many eligible voters, particularly within Muslim communities in border districts, have been excluded to benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The commission has not disclosed the names removed from the list or provided breakdowns by community, making it challenging to assess these claims.
Amidst rising discontent, parliamentary sessions have been disrupted by calls from opposition MPs demanding discussions on what they describe as a democratic threat. Concerns have also reached the Supreme Court, where it is being argued that inadequate time was allotted for this phase of voter registration.
Jagdeep Chhokar of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has raised alarm over the potential exclusion of millions of voters, asserting that the SIR process unfairly burdens individuals with proving their citizenship without adequate support. Many citizens express dismay over the errors that impact their voting eligibility and their economic stability.
In rural communities, anecdotal evidence points to widespread ignorance about the process. Reports from various villages reflect a lack of understanding about the SIR, prompting fears that losing the right to vote will exacerbate poverty conditions. Personal anecdotes reveal that residents have discovered wrong photographs or other mistakes on their cards, indicating possible negligence in the revision process.
Critics within opposition parties emphasize the need for more thorough checks while maintaining that the ongoing process could manipulate electoral outcomes in favor of the BJP. Supporters of the ruling coalition argue that addressing duplicates in voter registration is essential for a fair electoral process.
As dissent grows, many in Bihar’s poorest areas are anxiously awaiting resolution as the Supreme Court prepares to address ongoing grievances related to the electoral rolls amidst the backdrop of an approaching election season.
