Controversy Erupts: Election Commission Accused of Bias in Bihar's Voter Roll Update

In a serious blow to the credibility of the Election Commission of India (ECI), Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal accused the body of bias in conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Venugopal lamented that even members of the ruling Union government have shown reluctance to endorse the process, which he warned could have disastrous implications for the nation's democratic framework.

Highlighting concerns over the timing of the revision, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram alleged that the SIR appears to disproportionately target and disenfranchise minority and disadvantaged communities in Bihar. Chidambaram argued that this move would raise questions about the integrity of upcoming election results and emphasized that the revision should have occurred post-2024 polls to ensure fair appeals.

The controversy spurred a wave of protests both inside and outside Parliament, with opposition leaders moving adjournment motions and demanding discussions on the issue. Political figures like Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, and others have rallied to protest what they describe as an attempt to manipulate voter rolls ahead of crucial state elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)