EC Cites Article 326 to Justify Voter List Revision in Bihar Amid Ongoing Delimitation

The Election Commission has clarified its decision to carry out a special revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, even as the delimitation process is underway. Referring to Article 326 of the Constitution, the EC stressed the importance of not denying eligible citizens their right to vote. The move has triggered debate, especially in states like Bihar where elections often hinge on demographic and political shifts.

Voter List Revision During Delimitation: What’s Happening

Delimitation refers to redrawing the boundaries of constituencies based on population data to ensure fair representation. In Bihar, this process is currently in progress. Normally, during delimitation, voter roll updates are paused until new constituencies are notified.

However, the Election Commission has decided to go ahead with revising the voter lists, stating that it is a routine exercise aimed at including new voters and removing names of deceased or ineligible citizens.

What Article 326 Says

Article 326 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to vote to all citizens above the age of 18, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria. The EC argues that halting the voter list revision, even temporarily, would violate this constitutional right.

According to the commission, the electoral roll is not linked to constituency boundaries but to individual voter eligibility. Hence, updating it should continue regardless of any ongoing administrative changes.

Reactions on the Ground

The decision has stirred mixed reactions, especially in Tier 2 cities and rural parts of Bihar. Some political parties and civil groups have questioned the timing, arguing that changes made now may not align with the final boundaries post-delimitation. They fear this could lead to confusion or complications during future elections.

On the other hand, many believe the EC is right in prioritizing the inclusion of new voters, especially youth turning 18, to ensure their democratic rights are protected in time.

Why It Matters for Tier 2 Cities

Cities like Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, and Darbhanga play a crucial role in Bihar’s political landscape. These areas often see close contests, and even small changes in voter rolls can influence outcomes. The voter base in Tier 2 cities is rapidly growing, with many young and first-time voters entering the system.

Ensuring that electoral rolls are updated regularly helps reduce the chances of errors and improves voter turnout, particularly in semi-urban and rural clusters.

Conclusion

The Election Commission’s move to update Bihar’s voter list amid delimitation has sparked a larger discussion about balancing administrative processes with constitutional rights. While concerns about timing and accuracy remain, the focus on protecting the right to vote sends a strong message — that electoral inclusion cannot wait. For Bihar and its Tier 2 cities, it’s a step toward a more responsive and prepared democracy.