New Delhi – The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, ahead of the upcoming state elections, has sparked political controversy. Opposition parties have alleged irregularities in the process — a claim strongly denied by the Election Commission of India (ECI), which has assured that the revision will be completed smoothly and on time. The exercise involves nearly 7.90 crore registered voters.
Here’s a breakdown of what the SIR is, how it works, and the concerns surrounding it:
What is SIR?
The Special Intensive Revision is a large-scale voter list update in Bihar, using July 1, 2025 as the qualifying date. It aims to include eligible new voters and remove ineligible or outdated entries. This is the first such comprehensive update in the state since 2003.
Objective
- Add names of eligible citizens.
- Remove names of ineligible voters to ensure a clean and accurate voter list.
How is it being carried out?
- Started on June 24, the revision involves 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who are visiting every household at least three times to collect filled enumeration forms.
- Pre-filled forms have already been distributed to 7.69 crore voters (97.42%).
- 60% of voters (around 4.96 crore) listed before 2003 do not need to provide documents to verify date/place of birth.
- The remaining 40% (approx. 3 crore) must submit one of 11 accepted documents (Aadhaar is not among them).
- If a voter cannot produce documents, the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) can verify eligibility through local inquiry.
- 239 EROs, 963 Assistant EROs, 38 District Election Officers, and the Chief Electoral Officer are involved in the coordination.
- 1.54 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from political parties are also helping with the process.
What happens after submission?
- All submitted Enumeration Forms will be used to create a draft electoral roll, scheduled to be published on August 1.
Grievance Redressal
- If someone is dissatisfied with the ERO’s decision, they can appeal to the District Magistrate.
- A second appeal can be made to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).
Political Opposition & Allegations
- Opposition parties have called a statewide bandh on July 9, claiming the exercise is a “conspiracy” to influence the upcoming elections.
- Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of Opposition in Bihar, argues the timing is unfair, especially as many parts of the state are dealing with floods, making it difficult for people to submit documents.
- Critics also warn that the tight deadline (July 25) and strict documentation could disenfranchise large numbers of marginalised groups, including Muslims, Dalits, and migrant workers.
Legal Challenge in Supreme Court
- The SIR has been challenged by RJD MP Manoj Jha, ADR, PUCL, activist Yogendra Yadav, TMC MP Mahua Moitra, and former MLA Mujahid Alam.
- The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case but has refused to grant an interim stay, allowing the revision process to continue.
Current Progress (as of July 7)
- 2.87 crore enumeration forms have been received — 36.47% of the total electorate.
- Partially filled forms are available for download on the ECI portal and ECINET App.
- Voters can also upload completed forms themselves via the app.
Conclusion:
While the Election Commission insists the revision is essential for fair elections and is being conducted properly, opposition leaders and civil society groups fear it could lead to voter suppression, especially in vulnerable communities. With legal battles ongoing and political tensions rising, the process will remain under close national scrutiny in the coming weeks.
With inputs from IANS