The Election Commission has unveiled the final data from the initial phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar. The data reveals that Bihar has 72.4 million registered voters after the revision. Approximately 6.5 million names were removed from the electoral rolls during this process. The names removed primarily belonged to deceased individuals, migrants, and those living abroad. The Election Commission had previously reported that Bihar had 78.9 million voters as of June 24, 2025.
Over 72.4 million voters submitted their enumeration forms. The finalized figures for the first phase of SIR show a total of 72.4 million voters. The 6.5 million deletions were due to reasons such as death, migration, foreign residency, or permanent relocation. Key statistics include:
* 72.4 million forms collected.
* 2.2 million deceased voters.
* 3.6 million migrants.
* 700,000 permanent relocation.
**Growth in Booth Level Agents**
The Election Commission has recognized the collaborative effort behind the successful completion of the first phase of SIR, crediting the Chief Executive Officer of Bihar, District Election Officers across all 38 districts, 243 Electoral Registration Officers, 2,976 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, the BLOs at 77,895 polling stations, countless volunteers, and regional representatives from the 12 major political parties, including 160,000 BLAs. Notably, there was a significant increase of over 16% in the total number of BLAs during the SIR period.
**SIR Timeline**
SIR was initiated in Bihar on June 24, 2025. The objective was to remove the names of deceased, relocated, and duplicate voters from the electoral rolls while simultaneously incorporating eligible voters. BLOs and BLAs undertook door-to-door visits to gather the required enumeration forms. The initial phase was nearly concluded by July 25, with 99.8% voter coverage.
The Commission has stated that eligible voters who were inadvertently omitted can still be included in the draft electoral roll from August 1 to September 1, 2025. Voters found registered in multiple locations will be included in only one place. The initiative, initially launched in Bihar, is slated to be implemented nationwide.
**Political Ramifications and Controversy**
The SIR process in Bihar has been met with significant controversy. It represents the most comprehensive voter list revision since 2003. Opposition parties, including the RJD and Congress, claim that SIR is a strategic move to suppress the voting rights of the poor, Dalits, backward classes, and minorities. They have characterized SIR as a ‘backdoor NRC’. The opposition argues that many families lack essential documentation like birth certificates. With only 2.8% of Bihar residents having birth certificates between 2001-2005, there is a significant risk of mass disenfranchisement. Tejashwi Yadav has alleged that the revision is designed to benefit the NDA.