Controversy Erupts Over Bihar Voter List: Tejashwi Yadav’s Claims, ECI Response, and Political Fallout

The political landscape in Bihar is marked by controversy as the state moves closer to the 2025 Assembly elections. Concerns have arisen regarding the accuracy of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, with accusations of errors such as the inclusion of deceased individuals and exclusion of active voters. Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD’s prominent candidate and son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, has alleged that his name is not on the draft voter list, despite completing the required enumeration form. He highlighted the challenges he would face if unable to participate in the upcoming elections. The Janata Dal (United) countered by accusing Tejashwi of misleading the public about the situation. Tejashwi, during a press briefing in Patna, stated that his name was missing and his EPIC number details were also unavailable. The Patna district administration responded by confirming his name is registered, but with changes to his polling station and serial number. Tejashwi questioned the implications of these changes, raising suspicions of manipulation. The JDU’s chief spokesperson, Neeraj Kumar, criticized Tejashwi, calling him a ‘political fraud.’ The Election Commission immediately refuted Tejashwi’s claims, deeming them ‘false and factually incorrect’ and confirming his name is present. The Election Commission indicated that Tejashwi Yadav’s name is listed at Serial Number 416. The draft electoral roll for Bihar has been made public. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) aims to meticulously verify the electoral roll. Objections can be submitted from August 1 to September 1, 2025. The last intensive revision of the rolls in Bihar occurred in 2003. Voters can access their details on the ECI website.