After Bihar, Election Commission Gears Up for Nationwide Electoral Roll Revision Amid Political Row

The Election Commission is preparing for a nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls after rolling it out in Bihar, sparking strong opposition from political parties. Get the full details here.

New Delhi, June 27: After launching the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is now preparing to expand the exercise across the country. Though no official dates have been announced yet, internal sources confirm that the EC has already activated its electoral machinery to lay the groundwork for a pan-India rollout.

The move follows the Supreme Court’s recent nod, where it termed the SIR a “constitutional mandate,” allowing the process to continue in Bihar despite legal challenges. This has sparked political debate, with opposition parties strongly opposing the nationwide implementation.

Opposition Cries Foul, Alleges Risk of Mass Disenfranchisement

Several opposition parties have labelled the exercise “unconstitutional,” raising concerns that it could potentially disenfranchise nearly 2 crore voters in Bihar alone—primarily those registered after 2003. Critics argue that using older voter lists as a baseline could unfairly omit genuine voters, especially marginalized communities.

“The EC must withdraw this plan immediately. It risks erasing the voices of crores of eligible voters,” stated a spokesperson from a key opposition party.

Why Bihar Became the First Test Case

Bihar, where Assembly elections are due in October-November 2025, was chosen as the initial testing ground for the SIR. The poll body, in its June 24 statement, cited constitutional obligations and the need for updated, accurate voter rolls as reasons for starting the process in the state.

The 2003 voters’ list is currently being used as the reference point in Bihar. Similar cut-off years are being identified in other states based on when their last SIR was conducted. For instance:

• Delhi is referring to its 2008 electoral roll.
• Uttarakhand has cited the 2006 list as its last revised version.

Migrant Crackdown Adds Another Layer

The EC’s move gains further significance against the backdrop of a nationwide crackdown on illegal foreign migrants, particularly from Bangladesh and Myanmar. Although the EC has not directly linked the SIR to this drive, political observers believe the timing may not be coincidental.

“The move appears to have deeper implications, especially when viewed alongside recent actions against undocumented foreigners,” a senior political analyst noted.

States Begin Groundwork Amid Uncertainty Over Start Date

While some reports suggested the nationwide SIR could begin as early as next month, Election Commission sources told The Tribune that no firm date has been set yet. However, multiple state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) have started publishing older voter rolls online, indicating preparation is well underway.

Supreme Court to Hear Bihar SIR Case on July 28

As the controversy unfolds, the matter remains sub judice. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the Bihar SIR case on July 28. Until then, the Election Commission is moving ahead cautiously, balancing its constitutional duties with the political sensitivities involved.

Meanwhile, five other states—Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal—are also slated for Assembly elections in 2026, making the timing of the nationwide roll revision even more critical.

The nationwide Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, spearheaded by the Election Commission, is poised to become a politically charged initiative. While the EC asserts it’s fulfilling a constitutional mandate, the opposition fears it could suppress voter rights. With the Supreme Court set to re-examine the case next month, all eyes will be on how this pivotal issue unfolds.