Political Storm Erupts Over Bihar’s Voter List Verification

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Bihar ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, with opposition parties targeting the Election Commission of India (ECI). This time, the dispute revolves around the ECI’s intensive voter list revision drive, requiring citizens to submit citizenship and birth-related documents to verify their eligibility. While the ECI claims this exercise aims to eliminate duplicate, fake, or deceased voters from the electoral rolls, opposition leaders allege it is a disguised move to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Why the Opposition is Protesting

With Bihar polls just four months away and West Bengal elections scheduled next year, the ECI’s verification campaign has drawn sharp criticism. Leaders like Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) question why Bihar is being singled out for this exercise. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has vehemently opposed the move, calling it an “NRC in disguise.” AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi has also joined the chorus, accusing the ECI of targeting Bihar’s marginalized communities.

What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

The ECI’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) involves door-to-door verification to ensure only genuine voters remain on the list. Residents must provide valid documents (Aadhaar, birth certificates, etc.) to prove citizenship and residency. Those failing to furnish proof risk being struck off the electoral roll.

Legal Basis for the Drive

The ECI derives its authority from:

Article 324 of the Constitution (superintendence of elections).

Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, allowing electoral roll revisions at any time.

Rule 23 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, permitting intensive or summary revisions.

The exercise is not new—similar verifications were conducted in 2004. However, opposition parties argue that the timing, just before elections, is suspicious.

Why Bihar?

The ECI cites large-scale migration (nearly 70 lakh Biharis work outside the state) leading to duplicate voting. Many migrants are registered in Bihar as well as in states like Delhi or Maharashtra, creating electoral fraud risks. Additionally, non-reporting of deaths has led to “ghost voters,” while illegal migrants (particularly in border districts like Kishanganj) allegedly influence election outcomes.

Opposition’s Real Fear?

Critics argue that parties like the TMC, RJD, and Congress oppose the move because:

Fake voters (including non-citizens) may be weeded out, hurting their vote banks.

Muslim-dominated constituencies (like Purnia, Katihar, Kishanganj) could see a significant drop in voter numbers if illegal migrants are excluded.

Aadhaar-linked voting, if implemented, would permanently eliminate electoral fraud—something opposition parties allegedly resist.

ECI’s Clarification

The Commission has clarified that:

Pre-2003 voters need not submit fresh documents.

Only post-2003 enrolments require verification.

The drive will eventually expand nationwide, not just Bihar.

The Way Forward

While critics call the exercise “anti-poor,” the ECI insists it’s essential for clean elections. Linking voter IDs with Aadhaar could streamline the process, but opposition parties often cite privacy concerns—despite similar data being collected for subsidies and welfare schemes.

Conclusion

The uproar reflects a deeper anxiety among opposition parties about losing unverified voters. If the ECI’s drive succeeds, it could set a precedent for other states—especially Bengal, where illegal migration remains a contentious issue. For now, the battle over Bihar’s voter list is not just about elections but about who gets to define an Indian voter.

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