ECI Flags Massive Voter List Discrepancies in Bihar – The Election Commission of India (ECI) has flagged alarming discrepancies in the state’s voter list after a (SIR) of the electoral roll. The report, released on Tuesday, revealed that over 51 lakh voters in Bihar have either passed away, shifted to other constituencies, or have been registered multiple times.
According to the ECI, out of the total 7,89,69,844 registered voters, an impressive 97.30% (7.68 crore) have submitted their enumeration forms. However, the revision exercise unearthed major issues in the electoral database.
Major Findings of the Voter List Revision
- 18 lakh voters found to be deceased
- 26 lakh voters have permanently shifted to other constituencies
- 7 lakh entries are duplicate registrations
In total, over 51 lakh voter records may require deletion or rectification.
Political Parties Alerted with Detailed Lists
The ECI, through its officials — Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), District Electoral Officers (DEOs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) — is actively working with all political parties. Officials have already circulated a list of 21.36 lakh voters whose forms are still pending and another list of 52.30 lakh voters who may be dead, shifted, or duplicated.
ERO and BLO officials are also sharing detailed voter lists with political parties to ensure transparency. The Commission has assured that a full month will be given to raise objections regarding additions, deletions, or corrections in the draft rolls.
Opposition Cries Foul: “Conspiracy to Snatch Voting Rights”
The special revision drive has sparked a political storm, especially from the Opposition. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has accused the NDA government of deliberately targeting voters. She alleged that voter list manipulations in Maharashtra were followed by similar moves in Bihar.
“First, in Maharashtra, elections were rigged by inflating voter lists. Now, in Bihar, names are being removed. The ‘vote ban’ under SIR is a conspiracy to snatch the constitutional right to vote. We will resist every such attempt,” said Priyanka Gandhi.
The Opposition argues that the revision process is politically motivated and threatens free and fair elections. Several leaders have demanded stricter oversight and independent auditing of the voter list revision.
ECI Sticks to Deadline, Ahead of Schedule
Despite the controversy, the ECI claims it is ahead of its July 25 deadline for enumeration form collection, with over 80% already processed. Officials emphasized that the entire process is being conducted transparently, with cooperation from all political stakeholders.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring that only eligible and verified voters remain on the rolls, thereby improving the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, expected in October or November 2025.
What’s Next for Bihar Voters?
The ECI has announced that individuals can still file objections or corrections in the voter lists. Those who believe their names were wrongly removed or not included must act within the objection window provided.
Political analysts warn that the outcome of this revision could impact the electoral balance in several constituencies. The ongoing scrutiny has placed electoral transparency at the forefront of the political debate in Bihar.
As Bihar heads toward high-stakes Assembly elections later this year, the voter list cleanup exercise has opened a Pandora’s box of political allegations, electoral concerns, and questions over voter disenfranchisement. While the ECI claims the exercise strengthens electoral integrity, the Opposition views it as an attempt to manipulate voter demographics.
Only time will tell whether this Special Intensive Revision will restore faith in the electoral process or deepen political divisions in the state.