Bihar is witnessing heightened political activity in the lead-up to the assembly elections. The opposition has voiced strong criticism of the new voter list, directing their concerns towards the government and the Election Commission. In response, the Election Commission has initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) visiting homes to distribute enumeration forms. This has sparked controversy.
The Election Commission has stated that voters need to complete the enumeration form and submit it along with necessary documents. The aim is to address issues of fraudulent voters and include new voters. The Election Commission has made it clear that no eligible voter will be excluded from the process.
Voters are required to provide information such as their name, photo, address, EPIC number, Aadhaar number, date of birth, mobile number, and parent’s details. This information can be submitted online. This was last conducted in Bihar in 2003. Individuals born before July 1, 1987, need to provide a valid document to establish their date or place of birth.
The INDIA alliance is displeased with the Election Commission’s decision. The voter list revision is ongoing and is scheduled to continue until July 29. The opposition has demanded that the commission’s decision be halted. The INDIA alliance is likely to approach the Election Commission. The voter list has become a point of contention in Bihar.
Former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav alleged that the exercise’s aim is to disenfranchise many people by asking for documents few possess, especially marginalized communities such as Dalits, Muslims, and the backward classes.
Pawan Khera, Chairman of the AICC Media and Publicity Department, stated that this is a conspiracy, a robbery targeting the rights, identity, and citizenship of Bihar’s voters.