By Qalam Times News Network
13 July 2025 | Patna
Foreign nationals have allegedly been discovered on Bihar’s voter rolls, according to a recent claim by Election Commission of India (ECI) officials. The controversial assertion was made during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.
As per initial reports, booth-level officers (BLOs) reportedly identified a significant number of foreign nationals from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar listed as voters. However, the absence of official data and procedural inconsistencies have raised serious concerns over the credibility of the claim.
Foreign Nationals in Focus as Voter List Scrutiny Intensifies
According to ECI sources, names of individuals identified as foreign citizens will be excluded from the final electoral rolls scheduled to be published on 30 September 2025, following further verification starting 1 August. This announcement is a part of the Election Commission’s drive to “cleanse” the voter list ahead of Bihar’s elections in October or November this year.
The Commission claims that over 80% of voters—around 6.32 crore individuals—have submitted their Enumeration Forms (EF), with 4.66 crore forms already digitized through the ECINet software. These forms serve as the basis for inclusion or exclusion from the updated voter list.
The Constitution of India (Article 326) limits the right to vote to Indian citizens only. Hence, the Election Commission insists that any non-citizens, particularly those from neighbouring countries, will be removed from the electoral rolls. However, the Commission has yet to release any verified data or names, and the current claims are based solely on unnamed sources.
Doubtful Verification Process and Ground Reality
Journalists who visited verification sites in Bihar have challenged the Commission’s assertions. Senior journalist Ajit Anjum, through an on-ground investigation, found that many enumeration forms bore only the BLOs’ signatures, with little or no actual voter data filled in. These forms were in the process of being uploaded for digitization, suggesting that decisions were being made before actual verification had taken place.
Anjum’s video reports, now widely shared on social media and YouTube, highlight procedural lapses. Several regional journalists have also published similar findings, casting doubt on the thoroughness and legality of the SIR process.
Nationwide Implementation Raises Legal and Political Concerns
Just a day after a petition challenging the SIR process was filed in the Supreme Court, the ECI sent out a circular on 5 July 2025 instructing all Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) across states to initiate similar verification drives. The Commission has set 1 January 2026 as the cut-off date for voter eligibility across India.
This move has added fuel to political tensions, with opposition parties accusing the government of attempting to manipulate the electoral process under the guise of voter list purification.
Opposition Alleges Targeting of Marginalized Communities
The opposition alliance INDIA has strongly criticized the ECI’s actions, calling it an effort to disenfranchise poor, Dalit, and migrant voters. Rahul Gandhi likened the campaign to “vote demonetization,” suggesting it echoes tactics used to suppress votes in Maharashtra.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and MP Pappu Yadav accused the Commission of seeking documents like proof of citizenship before 1987—documents most marginalized people simply don’t have. They argue this process violates Article 326 of the Constitution.
Supreme Court Questions Timing of ECI’s Drive
The Supreme Court, during an initial hearing, questioned the timing of the campaign, noting that such a large-scale verification drive being conducted right before elections can raise suspicions of political bias.
In response, the ECI claimed the campaign was within its legal mandate and necessary for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The Commission has advised that documents such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, and ration cards be used in the verification process, even though many flagged individuals reportedly already possess these credentials.
Foreign Nationals Claim: Fact or Political Strategy?
At present, the claim that a large number of foreign nationals are registered as voters in Bihar remains unverified and questionable. Without publicly released data, and with inconsistencies in the field-level procedures, critics argue the move may be politically motivated.
The issue has now reached the Supreme Court, which will hear the matter on 28 July 2025. The ECI is expected to submit a detailed affidavit by 21 July.
As the matter gains national attention, this could ignite a wider debate over citizenship, voter rights, and electoral fairness in the lead-up to India’s state and general elections.
