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Key Points

The Bihar electoral roll revision has sparked a political controversy between the BJP and Congress. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process as a routine democratic exercise to remove fake voters. Congress leaders, including Ajay Rai and Udit Raj, have strongly criticized the revision, alleging systematic exclusion of poor and marginalized voters. The Election Commission has released the final list containing 7.42 crore electors, with the matter potentially heading to further legal scrutiny.

Key Points: Naqvi Defends Bihar Voter Roll Cleanup Amid Congress Protest

  • BJP defends Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process as routine electoral cleanup
  • Congress alleges systematic voter exclusion targeting poor communities
  • Election Commission releases final Bihar voter list with 7.42 crore electors
  • Udit Raj claims potential nationwide voter roll manipulation
2 min read

Bihar final electoral roll: Bogus voters removed, says BJP's Naqvi as Cong alleges mass exclusion

BJP's Naqvi claims bogus voters removed in Bihar electoral roll revision, while Congress alleges mass voter exclusion targeting marginalized communities.

"The main objective is to protect bona fide voters and to remove bogus voters. - Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, BJP Leader"

New Delhi, Oct 1

The release of the final voter list for Bihar following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has triggered a political storm, with the BJP and Congress offering sharply contrasting narratives. While the BJP claims the process was aimed at cleaning up the rolls by removing fake voters, the Congress alleges mass voter exclusion, particularly of the poor and marginalised communities.

BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi defended the SIR exercise, emphasising that it is part of a routine democratic process.

"The main objective is to protect bona fide voters and to review and remove bogus voters. This is not the first time such an exercise has been carried out in the country. Since the beginning of the electoral process, voter lists have been reviewed multiple times, and necessary changes have been made," Naqvi said.

On the other hand, Congress leaders have raised serious concerns. Uttar Pradesh Congress state president Ajay Rai criticised the Election Commission, alleging that genuine voters were being excluded without proper justification.

"In Bihar, the issue of voter exclusion raised by Rahul Gandhi is very serious. The manner in which poor and ordinary people have been deprived of their right to vote by the Election Commission is unacceptable. They should not be excluded; instead, they must be included. The Aadhaar card should be recognised as a valid document, and the names of such people should be added to the voter list," Rai said.

The Election Commission announced the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and published the final list, which includes 7.42 crore electors.

Congress leader Udit Raj alleged a nationwide pattern of manipulation. He stated, "If the opposition had not protested and taken the matter to the Supreme Court, the 2.1 million new voters whose names have now been added would still be missing. Whether any manipulation has occurred among them remains to be seen."

"There is a model being followed across states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, where fake voters are added while opposition supporters are removed from the rolls. The updated voter list was released yesterday. Our party is studying it in detail. The matter is already before the Supreme Court, and our further strategy will be announced soon," he added.

On Tuesday, the Election Commission declared the successful conclusion of the SIR process. According to official figures, 7.89 crore voters were on the list as of June 24.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I'm concerned about the poor and marginalized communities being excluded. My own aunt in Bihar had issues with her voter ID despite having all documents. The process should be more transparent and inclusive.
A
Arjun K
Both sides have valid points. Cleaning voter lists is important, but genuine voters shouldn't suffer. Maybe Aadhaar linking could help streamline the process? 🤔
S
Sarah B
As someone who has observed Indian elections for years, this seems like routine administrative work being politicized. Voter list revisions happen before every major election worldwide.
M
Meera T
The timing is suspicious though. Why now? And why only in opposition-ruled states? The pattern across multiple states does raise legitimate questions about fairness.
R
Rahul R
Let's trust our institutions. The Election Commission has maintained India's democratic integrity for decades. They deserve the benefit of doubt in this process.

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