Controversial Electoral Roll Revision Sparks Debate in Bihar

Dipankar Bhattacharya, a leader from CPI(ML) Liberation, lambasted the Election Commission's special electoral roll revision initiative in Bihar, labeling it as arbitrary and poorly designed. Bhattacharya highlighted in a statement on Tuesday that the commission's efforts at clarification only exacerbate the existing confusion.

He argued that the task, last conducted 22 years ago, is not the routine annual exercise the commission suggests. Bhattacharya stressed that only citizens with citizenship proof are entitled to vote, a requirement not formally mandated before, endangering many due to possible documentation shortages.

The political leader further criticized the lack of consultation with other political entities preceding this decision, drawing parallels to past government actions like demonetization. Bhattacharya urged a retreat to standard practices and cautioned against disenfranchisement risks posed to those unable to supply necessary records.

(With inputs from agencies.)