Electoral Roll Revision Sparks Controversy in Bihar

In a significant development ahead of Bihar's assembly elections, over 65 lakh enumeration forms were excluded from the draft electoral rolls, reducing the total count of registered voters to 7.24 crore from an earlier figure of 7.9 crore. Conducted by the Election Commission as part of a special intensive revision (SIR), this change has sparked controversy among political parties.

The district of Patna reported the highest exclusion figures with 3.95 lakh forms left out, followed by Madhubani and East Champaran. In contrast, Sheikhpura saw only 26,256 forms excluded. Claims of partiality have emerged from opposition parties like Congress and RJD, who accuse the ruling NDA of manipulating the exercise to gain electoral advantage.

The exclusion reasons included deceased registrants, individuals who have permanently relocated out of state, and those allegedly registered at multiple locations. As the draft rolls are made available for claims and objections until September 1, political parties demand transparency about exclusion criteria and handling of alleged illegal immigrants' entries.

(With inputs from agencies.)