Bihar CEO Clarifies on Congress’s Demand to Delete 89 Lakh Voters from Draft Electoral Roll

The Bihar Chief Election Officer (CEO) has issued a clear response following Congress’s recent move to request deletion of around 89 lakh names from the draft electoral rolls. The CEO emphasised that such mass deletions can only proceed through a prescribed, formal process—specifically via “Form 7” and must include a legally sworn declaration. The clarification underlines India’s commitment to electoral accuracy and procedural integrity.

The Valid Process for Electoral Deletions
According to the CEO, the Congress did submit letters to district election officers requesting deletion of nearly 89 lakh voter entries. However, such requests must follow the Election Commission’s established guidelines, which require submission of Form 7 along with a declaration, typically by designated Booth Level Agents. Without these formalities, deletions cannot be actioned.

Unverified Data Raises Concerns
Officials noted that the numbers cited in the Congress letters have not been verified. The electoral roll revision will proceed with due scrutiny. Any names under consideration for removal will be processed only after sworn affidavits and verification, following the Supreme Court’s interim ruling on such revisions.

Political Resistance and Claims of Obstruction
Congress leader Pawan Khera has raised concerns, claiming that complaints were being dismissed when attempted to be submitted, especially through party-appointed BLAs. The Election Commission, however, counters that the lack of formal format or compliance is the primary barrier, not political affiliation.

Relevance for Bihar’s Voters, Especially in Tier 2 Towns
With Bihar undergoing a Special Intensive Revision before upcoming Assembly elections, this matter strikes a chord in semi-urban and smaller cities where voter awareness and participation are critical. Ensuring the accuracy of electoral rolls affects real power—the ability to vote and be heard. Missteps in process could risk disenfranchising legitimate voters.

Conclusion
In India’s democratic framework, election rules are designed to maintain fairness. The Bihar CEO’s statement is a reminder that even political parties must follow established protocols to correct voter rolls. It underscores that democracy thrives not just with participation but with procedural discipline—especially relevant in towns and cities where every vote counts.