Congress Raises Questions Over Removal of 30 Lakh Voters in Bihar’s Electoral Roll Revision

The Congress party has expressed concerns regarding the removal of approximately 30 lakh voters from Bihar’s electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The party is seeking clarity on the identities of those excluded and whether they had participated in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This inquiry highlights potential discrepancies in the voter registration process and signals a broader concern about electoral fairness and transparency in the state.

Allegations of Duplicate Entries and Lack of Transparency

In addition to the removal of voters, the Congress has alleged the presence of over five lakh duplicate entries in the final voter list. The party has criticized the Election Commission for not providing a machine-readable version of the final list, making it challenging to verify and analyze the data. Furthermore, the Congress has questioned the absence of a consolidated list of all deleted voters, which would facilitate transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Legal Scrutiny and Public Concerns

The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of the issue, directing the Election Commission to furnish details of the 3.66 lakh voters excluded from the final electoral roll. The Court has emphasized the need for clarity regarding the identities of voters added to the final list and has sought a comparative analysis to address concerns about potential disenfranchisement. These developments underscore the importance of transparency and due process in electoral roll revisions.

Political Implications and Public Trust

The controversy surrounding the SIR process has raised questions about the integrity of the electoral roll revision in Bihar. Allegations of voter exclusion and duplicate entries have the potential to erode public trust in the electoral system. Ensuring the accuracy and transparency of voter lists is crucial for maintaining the credibility of elections and upholding democratic principles.

Conclusion

The Congress party’s concerns regarding the removal of 30 lakh voters and the presence of duplicate entries in Bihar’s electoral rolls highlight the need for a thorough review and transparent processes in electoral roll revisions. Addressing these issues is essential to uphold the integrity of the electoral system and ensure that all eligible voters are accurately represented in the democratic process.