Is Bihar SIR Ready for Voter Inclusion? ECI Says One Month to Act!
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Synopsis
The Election Commission of India (ECI) gives political parties and electors a month to rectify electoral rolls amid allegations of irregularities in Bihar's SIR. Key dates and figures reveal significant challenges as the process unfolds. Will the Opposition's concerns lead to a boycott?
Key Takeaways
- One month is given to amend electoral rolls.
- 99 percent of electors covered in Bihar SIR.
- Deadline for changes is September 1, 2025.
- Final roll publication on September 30, 2025.
- Concerns from Opposition parties may lead to significant action.
New Delhi, July 24 (NationPress) In response to allegations from Opposition parties regarding irregularities and unjust removal of voters' names in the Bihar SIR, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Thursday that from August 1 onward, both political parties and individual electors will have one month to amend the electoral rolls.
According to a statement from the ECI, “Any elector or any recognized political party will have a month from August 1 until September 1 to include the names of eligible voters who were omitted by BLOs/BLAs, or to exclude names of any voters who were incorrectly included.”
For the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, the deadline for submitting claims and objections is set for September 1, 2025. The final electoral roll will be published on September 30, 2025.
On Thursday, the ECI reported that 99 percent of electors in Bihar have been accounted for in the current SIR process.
To date, 21.6 lakh deceased electors have been recorded, while 31.5 lakh have permanently migrated. Additionally, 7 lakh electors were found to be registered in multiple locations, and 1 lakh were deemed untraceable, according to the ECI.
The poll panel also noted that Enumeration Forms from 7 lakh electors have yet to be submitted, while 7.21 crore voters have already completed their forms.
Previously, former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav stated in an exclusive interview with IANS that if the ECI disregards the Opposition's concerns regarding the SIR, his party and the INDIA bloc may consider withdrawing from the electoral contest.
“Boycotting is a possibility, but we will deliberate on it. We will consult with our alliance partners and the public before making a final decision,” Tejashwi told IANS.
Numerous lawmakers from the Samajwadi Party (SP), Shiv Sena, and Congress expressed their support for his criticism of the ECI on Friday, accusing the poll panel of tampering with the voters' list ahead of the elections.
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticized the ECI for failing to fulfill its duties and labeled it a ‘serious issue’.
Point of View
We recognize the pivotal role of the Election Commission in upholding democratic integrity. The concerns raised by political parties regarding the electoral rolls must be addressed transparently. It is crucial that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process without fear of exclusion or manipulation.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for including or excluding names from the electoral rolls in Bihar SIR?
The deadline is from August 1 to September 1, 2025, for political parties and electors to request changes.
How many electors are reported to have died or migrated in Bihar?
So far, 21.6 lakh deceased electors have been reported, and 31.5 lakh have permanently migrated.
What percentage of electors in Bihar have been covered in the ongoing SIR?
The ECI claimed that 99 percent of electors in Bihar have been covered under the ongoing SIR exercise.
What are the potential consequences if the Opposition boycotts the elections?
If the Opposition chooses to boycott, it could significantly impact the electoral process and representation in Bihar.
What is the final publication date for the electoral roll in Bihar SIR?
The final electoral roll for the current revision will be published on September 30, 2025.
