Farooq Abdullah: Bihar Voter List Revision Threatens Democracy

Farooq Abdullah, National Conference President, has strongly criticized the Election Commission’s decision to revise the voter lists in Bihar, declaring it unconstitutional. Addressing the media in Kulgam, South Kashmir, he highlighted the potential adverse impacts on the democratic rights of the people. Abdullah stated that the revision is in direct contravention of the Constitution’s foundational principles, particularly the right to vote, as established by B.R. Ambedkar. He warned that such actions could trigger widespread protests. Abdullah also brought attention to the difficulties faced by over 1.5 crore Biharis working outside their home state in participating in the electoral process. He accused the Election Commission of political bias and urged the public to remain aware of actions that undermine constitutional safeguards. The Election Commission’s announcement of the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar was made on June 24th, citing reasons such as urbanization and migration. The last such revision in Bihar was in 2003, with elections scheduled for the current year.