ECI Flags Bihar Voter List Discrepancies: Deaths, Moves, Duplicates
Bihar Electoral Roll Revision: ECI Identifies Over 80 Lakh Discrepancies Amidst Opposition Concerns
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revealed notable findings during its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, identifying approximately 80 lakh discrepancies. These include deceased voters, those who have shifted constituencies, and duplicate entries, prompting a robust process of purification and verification.
Unveiling Voter roll Anomalies
The ECIS comprehensive revision exercise has brought to light a considerable number of irregularities within Bihar’s electoral database.According to the commission, a staggering 18 lakh registered voters have been identified as deceased. Furthermore, 26 lakh electors have reportedly relocated to different constituencies, necessitating their removal from the current rolls. Adding to these figures, seven lakh voters have been flagged as duplicates, indicating multiple registrations for the same individual.
In a recent release, the ECI detailed that out of the total 7,89,69,844 voters in Bihar, a significant 97.30 per cent, translating to 76,834,228 voters, have successfully completed their enumeration forms. This high completion rate underscores the ECI’s commitment to ensuring an accurate and up-to-date voter list.
Collaborative Efforts and Data Sharing
The ECI emphasized the active involvement of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), District election Officers (DEOs), Electoral registration Officers (EROs), and Booth Level Officers (blos) in this crucial exercise. These officials are working in close coordination with representatives from all political parties. A list of 21.36 lakh electors,for whom forms are yet to be received,has been shared with the parties.Moreover, the commission has also provided a list of nearly 52.30 lakh electors who are reportedly deceased, have permanently shifted their residences, or are enrolled in multiple locations. EROs and BLOs are diligently sharing detailed lists of voters who could not be found during the revision process with the political parties. The ECI has assured that a full month will be allocated for any individual wishing to file objections or suggestions regarding additions, deletions, or rectifications in the draft electoral rolls.
Opposition Voices Concerns Over SIR
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has not been without its critics, with the Opposition parties voicing strong reservations. They have accused the ruling NDA alliance of orchestrating the revision to disenfranchise voters.
Member of Parliament Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her deep concerns, drawing parallels with the recent maharashtra elections. She alleged that the election results in Maharashtra were manipulated by inflating voter lists and suggested that similar tactics are being employed in Bihar by removing voters’ names.
“First, in Maharashtra, elections were rigged by inflating voter lists. Now, in Bihar, attempts are being made to do the same by removing voters’ names. The ‘vote ban’ being imposed under the guise of SIR is a conspiracy to snatch the right to vote granted by the Constitution. We stand firmly against every attempt to trample the Constitution,” Priyanka Gandhi stated, highlighting the Opposition’s outlook on the SIR exercise.
Upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections
The Bihar Assembly elections are anticipated to take place later this year,likely in October or November. While the Election commission of India has not yet announced the official dates, the ongoing revision of electoral rolls is a critical preparatory step for the democratic process.The ECI’s efforts aim to ensure a fair and transparent electoral exercise by maintaining the integrity of the voter list.