Controversy in Bihar: Allegations of Vote Disenfranchisement as SIR Faces Criticism

In Bihar, the ongoing Special Intensive Review (SIR) of electoral rolls has come under fire, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav leading the charge against alleged irregularities that he claims disenfranchise poor and migrant voters.

Addressing a press conference, Yadav underscored the relentless objections from the Rashtriya Janata Dal and other opposition groups regarding the SIR process. He highlighted issues such as fraudulent activities by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and systemic challenges facing poverty-stricken individuals and migrant workers from Bihar. The matter raises serious questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process, Yadav emphasized.

Citing Bihar's democratic legacy, Yadav stressed the gravity of alleged large-scale deletions from voter rolls, urging all parties to protect the fundamental right to vote. He criticized the reported disenfranchisement of migrant laborers due to lack of documentation and called for a special discussion in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India reported the discovery of deceased and relocated voters, and multiple enrollments as part of the review.

(With inputs from agencies.)