Did ECI Address Rumors During Bihar’s Voter Roll Exercise? Over 1.69 Cr Forms Collected in SIR Drive
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Synopsis
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has completed the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar amidst rising political tensions and allegations of irregularities. With over 1.69 crore forms collected, the ECI assures transparency and compliance with guidelines, aiming to quell opposition fears.
Key Takeaways
- 1.69 crore Enumeration Forms collected in Bihar during the SIR process.
- Over 77,895 BLOs are conducting house-to-house visits.
- New measures include 20,000 additional BLOs for timely completion.
- Significant volunteer involvement, with 4 lakh assisting vulnerable voters.
- ECI's commitment to transparency amid political scrutiny.
New Delhi, July 6 (NationPress) Amidst the backdrop of political controversies and whispers of irregularities surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) confirmed on Sunday that the initial phase of the process has been executed seamlessly and in compliance with established guidelines.
In a comprehensive press release, the ECI stated, “no modifications have been made to the SIR directives issued on June 24,” rejecting assertions from various individuals that the process was being skewed to benefit the ruling party ahead of the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
To date, 1.69 crore Enumeration Forms, representing approximately 21.46 percent of Bihar’s 7.90 crore registered voters, have been gathered, with over 65 lakh forms submitted in just the last 24 hours.
“It is reiterated that SIR is being conducted as per the SIR instructions dated July 24, 2025, with no alterations to the instructions. Draft electoral rolls, scheduled for release on August 1, 2025, will reflect the names of individuals whose enumeration forms have been received,” the election body elaborated.
“Voters can submit their documents anytime before July 25, 2025. Following the publication of draft Electoral Rolls, if any documents are lacking, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) can retrieve such documents from voters listed in the draft during the Claims and Objection period,” it added.
In a forceful rebuttal to opposition claims of exclusion and lack of transparency, the ECI emphasized the scale and openness of the process. 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are conducting door-to-door visits, taking live photographs, and assisting voters with form submissions.
Moreover, over 20,000 new BLOs have been deployed to guarantee the timely completion of the task. More than 4 lakh volunteers, including government personnel, NCC cadets, and NSS members, are dedicated to assisting elderly, differently-abled, and vulnerable voters.
In addition, the efforts involve 239 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), 963 AEROs, and 38 District Election Officers (DEOs), along with 1.5 lakh Booth Level Agents appointed by political parties to support the initiative.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar addressed political anxieties, stating, “Over the past four months, all 4,123 EROs, all 775 DEOs, and all 36 CEOs have convened nearly 5,000 meetings with 28,000 representatives from political parties. The ECI has also welcomed all Recognised political parties for dialogue. No one was entirely content with the current state of electoral rolls for various reasons.”
This clarification arrives as opposition parties in Bihar, including RJD, Congress, and others, have accused the election authority of attempting to manipulate the voter base through the SIR process.
Point of View
It is paramount to acknowledge the complexities surrounding the electoral process in Bihar. The Election Commission's efforts to maintain transparency during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls reflect a commitment to uphold democratic principles. However, the ongoing political tensions and accusations highlight the need for continuous dialogue between the ECI and political entities to ensure trust in the electoral process.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process?
The SIR process is an initiative by the Election Commission of India to update and revise electoral rolls to ensure accuracy and inclusivity ahead of elections.
How many forms have been collected during the SIR in Bihar?
As of now, over 1.69 crore Enumeration Forms have been collected, representing approximately 21.46% of Bihar's registered voters.
What measures are in place to support vulnerable voters during this process?
Over 4 lakh volunteers, including government officials and student cadets, are assisting elderly, differently-abled, and vulnerable voters throughout the SIR process.
When will the draft electoral rolls be published?
The draft electoral rolls are scheduled to be released on August 1, 2025.
What has the ECI said in response to opposition claims?
The ECI has reiterated that the SIR process is being conducted according to established guidelines and that there are no changes to the instructions issued earlier.
