Synopsis:
Voter list controversy erupts in Bihar as over 52 lakh names are dropped, including deceased and relocated individuals. Opposition cries foul as EC invokes constitutional authority amid legal scrutiny.
Massive Purge in Bihar’s Voter List Raises Questions of Legitimacy
By Qalam Times News Network
Patna:
The voter list in Bihar has come under intense scrutiny after the Election Commission revealed that nearly 52 lakh names have been struck off during its recent revision drive. Those excluded include individuals marked as deceased or relocated. The revelation comes at a critical time, just months ahead of the state assembly elections slated for October-November this year.
This large-scale overhaul of the voter list follows a “Special Intensive Revision” (SIR) exercise conducted by the commission. However, the process has already sparked political backlash. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged during a Monday rally that nearly 40 lakh voters have been unfairly removed in Bihar, and she warned that a similar maneuver could unfold in her state before the upcoming elections.
EC Justifies Action, But Supreme Court Watchful
Despite the growing outcry, the Election Commission stood firm. On Tuesday, it announced that a draft voter list will be published on August 1, ensuring that all eligible citizens are duly included. Yet, the timing and transparency of the revision process are under legal review. Several petitions concerning this voter roll cleanup have reached the Supreme Court, and a two-judge bench led by Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Jaymalya Bagchi has already begun hearing them.
Interestingly, the Election Commission cited its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution to defend the legality of the process. Referring to a July 17 Supreme Court observation, which recommended using Aadhaar, Voter ID, and ration cards to verify entries in the voter list, the Commission responded that Aadhaar is merely an identity document—not proof of citizenship. It further asserted that even the Voter ID cannot be considered conclusive proof of identity during the SIR phase.
Controversy Ahead of Polls
While the Commission insists the voter list update is constitutional and consistent, critics argue it risks disenfranchising large sections of the electorate. The controversy is likely to escalate as the draft roll goes public in August, and political parties begin their ground assessments. With court hearings ongoing, Bihar’s electoral roadmap remains under the lens—both judicial and political.
