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Key Points

Tejashwi Yadav has accused the Election Commission of India of targeting poor and young voters with a sudden voter list revision. He claims the process, requiring extensive documentation, is designed to exclude marginalized communities. The RJD leader linked the move to an RSS agenda, questioning the EC’s neutrality. The issue is set to become a major flashpoint ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.

Key Points: Tejashwi Yadav Slams ECI Over Bihar Voter List Revision

  • Tejashwi questions timing of voter list revision after 22 years
  • Links move to RSS agenda of excluding poor voters
  • Claims new document rules disenfranchise marginalized groups
  • Grand Alliance frames issue as anti-poor ahead of 2025 polls
2 min read

Tejashwi Yadav slams ECI's voter list revision in Bihar

Tejashwi Yadav alleges ECI’s voter list revision targets poor and youth, calling it undemocratic ahead of Bihar polls.

"Why is there a sudden need to revise the voter list after 22 years? – Tejashwi Yadav"

Patna, June 27

Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav has launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission (EC) and the state government, alleging that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in the election year is a threat to democracy and an attempt to snatch voting rights from the poor and youth.

At a joint press conference with Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram, Congress national spokesperson Pawan Khera, and CPI (ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, Tejashwi Yadav questioned the timing and intent of the voter list revision.

“Why is there a sudden need to revise the voter list after 22 years? Last time in 2003, the process took two years; now it is being attempted in two months,” Yadav said.

Tejashwi Yadav highlighted that Bihar is currently facing rains and floods, making it nearly impossible for the poor to arrange and submit documents, particularly when many do not possess birth certificates, citizenship documents, or even accepted Aadhaar/MNREGA cards.

Linking the move to a larger RSS agenda, Tejashwi alleged: "Recently, a senior RSS leader questioned the Constitution, and now this conspiracy is being executed to exclude the poor and youth from the voter list systematically."

Tejashwi explained the new document-heavy process: Ages 18–20 must provide their own and their parents’ birth certificates and citizenship documents.

Ages 20–39 must prove their own and parents’ citizenship with documents and ages 39–40 must provide self-proof of citizenship.

He argued that these arbitrary, onerous documentation rules are designed to disenfranchise the poor, marginalized, and young voters.

Tejashwi further questioned the credibility of officials handling the voter revision, alleging that the same officers who handled the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are managing the current process, casting doubts on the EC's neutrality.

The Grand Alliance (RJD-Congress-Left) is clearly moving into aggressive opposition mode ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly polls by framing the voter list revision as anti-poor and undemocratic.

Tejashwi and allies aim to mobilise youth, farmers, and the poor who may feel threatened by exclusion from the electoral process.

The controversy could escalate into a key election issue, testing the EC’s credibility and the state’s political climate before the elections.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I understand the concerns, voter list revision is important for electoral integrity. But the timing and documentation requirements do seem excessive. Maybe a phased approach would be better considering Bihar's current challenges.
A
Ananya R
Typical political drama before elections! Last time when RJD was in power, they didn't update lists either. All parties play this game. Common people suffer while netas score political points 😤
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Vikram M
Asking for parents' birth certificates is ridiculous! My dada-dadi were born before independence in villages. Where will we get those documents? This is clearly voter suppression tactic.
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Kavya N
Instead of politicizing, why can't all parties work together to help people get documents? Many poor don't have papers but are genuine citizens. Make the process easier, not harder!
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Michael C
As an observer, I find it concerning that election officials from previous controversial elections are handling this process. Shouldn't there be fresh teams to ensure neutrality?
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Priya S
Youth voter registration should be made simpler, not harder! We're the future of this country. If EC wants more participation, they should go to colleges with mobile registration vans, not demand impossible documents.

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