Bihar Electoral Roll Controversy: Tejashwi Yadav Claims Omission, ECI Responds

Bihar’s upcoming 2025 Assembly elections have brought forth new controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. Allegations of irregularities have emerged, including the inclusion of deceased individuals and the exclusion of valid voters. Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD’s CM candidate, has claimed his name is missing from the draft voter list. Yadav stated that he had filled the enumeration form during the revision, questioning how he could contest the elections. Janata Dal (United) responded, accusing Tejashwi of misleading the public. Addressing a press conference in Patna, Tejashwi stated his name was not in the electoral roll despite filling the enumeration form. He said that even with his EPIC number, his information was not retrievable. The Patna district administration immediately clarified that Tejashwi’s name is in the voter list, but his polling station and serial number were altered. Tejashwi questioned how many others might have experienced similar changes, indicating potential manipulation. JDU’s chief spokesperson, Neeraj Kumar, called Tejashwi a ‘political fraud’. The Election Commission refuted the claim, stating Tejashwi’s name is present in the draft electoral roll. This has intensified the already strained political climate. The draft electoral roll became available to the public. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Electoral Roll is an ongoing process in Bihar as it prepares for its elections. The Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar and 243 Electoral Officers will welcome objections regarding discrepancies in the electoral roll from voters or recognized political parties between August 1st and September 1st, 2025. The objective of the exercise is to ensure all eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll in a transparent way. The last intensive revision was held in 2003. Voters can check their information on the ECI website.