Bihar SIR Drive: 1.98 Lakh Pleas For Voter List Exclusion, 30,000 For Inclusion, Shows ECI Data

Last Updated:August 31, 2025, 04:51 IST

Officials say the substantial number of exclusion requests highlights the effectiveness of the SIR in detecting irregularities within the existing voter data

Although the ECI asserts that the process is transparent and aims to preserve the electoral roll's integrity, critics say the disparity in the numbers underscores the political and social sensitivity surrounding the revision process, as the fate of hundreds of thousands of voters remains uncertain. (File pic/PTI)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has disclosed that as many as 1.98 lakh requests have been submitted in Bihar for the removal of names from the voter list, while only around 30,000 requests for the inclusion of new names have been received.

This information comes during the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, a thorough house-to-house exercise aimed at maintaining a clean and precise voter list in preparation for the upcoming assembly elections. The ECI’s goal is to eliminate duplicate entries, deceased voters, and other ineligible names, while also enrolling all eligible citizens who may have previously been overlooked. The revision process commenced in late June, and the draft electoral rolls were published on August 1. The period for claims and objections, permitting the submission of these inclusion or exclusion requests, is set to end on September 1, with the final electoral rolls scheduled for publication on September 30.

Officials say the substantial number of exclusion requests highlights the effectiveness of the SIR in detecting irregularities within the existing voter data. However, the process has also ignited controversy. Various opposition parties and activists have expressed concerns that the stringent documentation requirements—including a Supreme Court ruling that recognises Aadhaar as a valid document along with 11 others specified by the ECI—could result in the disenfranchisement of marginalised communities and migrant workers who may lack the necessary paperwork. This has led to appeals in the Supreme Court to extend the deadline for submitting claims and objections.

Although the ECI asserts that the process is transparent and aims to preserve the electoral roll’s integrity, critics say the disparity in the numbers underscores the political and social sensitivity surrounding the revision process, as the fate of hundreds of thousands of voters remains uncertain.

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August 31, 2025, 04:51 IST

News india Bihar SIR Drive: 1.98 Lakh Pleas For Voter List Exclusion, 30,000 For Inclusion, Shows ECI Data

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