Did Congress Really Submit 89 Lakh Complaints Against Bihar's SIR?
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Synopsis
In a recent development, Bihar's CEO rebuts Congress's claim of 89 lakh complaints regarding electoral irregularities. The CEO emphasizes adherence to the formal complaint process, amidst rising political tensions. Understand the implications of this controversy and how it affects Bihar's upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- Bihar CEO challenges Congress's claims
- Formal complaint process emphasized
- Election laws prohibit arbitrary deletions
- Supreme Court's directive on electoral objections
- Growing political tensions in Bihar
Patna, Aug 31 (NationPress) Shortly after the Congress party alleged that they had filed “89 lakh complaints” with the Election Commission of India (ECI) about supposed irregularities in Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state, Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, issued a strong rebuttal, stating that the number was “unverified” and that any such grievances must adhere to the official format.
In an official message shared on X, the CEO emphasized that election regulations prohibit the arbitrary removal of any voter's name.
“The District Congress Committee Presidents of the Indian National Congress have recently submitted letters to the District Election Officers in Bihar, requesting the removal of the names of roughly 89 lakh (8.9 million) individuals from the electoral rolls,” he stated.
Furthermore, it was noted that, according to the guidelines of the Election Commission, any removal of names can only be executed under “Rule 13 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960,” which allows only Form 7 to be submitted. Additionally, “Booth Level Agents” appointed by political parties are permitted to file objections in the required format. These objections, under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, must include a declaration.
The statement also referenced the Supreme Court's interim directive from August 22, clarifying that any concerns regarding erroneous entries in the electoral rolls must be submitted in the required format to the relevant Electoral Registration Officer.
“Objections not presented in the specified manner will not be addressed,” the CEO reiterated.
In a pointed response to the Congress's assertion, CEO Gunjiyal highlighted that the letters recently sent by the District Congress Committee Presidents did not qualify as “specified objections” according to the law.
Significantly, the CEO mentioned that the “89 lakh voters” claim was unverified and caused “unnecessary alarm.”
The statement assured that prior to any decisions on deletions, the submissions from the Congress at the district level would be evaluated under Rule 20(3)(b) of the 1960 Rules. Only after thorough examination and sworn affidavits would any names be considered for removal.
This rebuttal emerges amidst a growing political controversy regarding Bihar’s draft electoral rolls, with opposition parties accusing the authorities of extensive manipulations ahead of the elections. The ECI has maintained that the ongoing SIR process is lawful and open to claims and objections until the final publication.
During a press conference in Bihar, Congress leader Pawan Khera remarked, “The EC keeps getting news planted through its sources that no complaints are coming from any political party. The truth is that the Congress submitted 89 lakh complaints pertaining to the irregularities in the SIR to the EC.”
He also criticized the poll panel for not allowing their complaints to be filed through Booth Level Agents (BLAs).
“When our BLAs attempted to file complaints, they were dismissed by the EC. The election body categorically informed our BLAs that complaints could only be accepted from individuals, not political parties,” the Congress leader stated.
“It appears that CEC Gyanesh Kumar might have received directives to refrain from registering complaints from political parties,” he claimed.
“We also want elections to be conducted smoothly. We want no wrong person to remain on the voter list and no rightful person’s name to be omitted. This is a collective responsibility — yours, ours, and most importantly, that of the Election Commission. We hope that the Election Commission verifies all the data we have provided and conducts a thorough door-to-door recheck,” he concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to maintain an impartial stance while reporting on the political complexities surrounding Bihar's electoral rolls. The claims made by the Congress party and the subsequent rebuttal from the CEO highlight the ongoing tension between political entities and electoral integrity. It is essential that all complaints are processed through the appropriate channels to uphold the democratic process.
NationPress
31/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recent claims made by Congress regarding Bihar's electoral rolls?
Congress claims to have submitted 89 lakh complaints to the Election Commission regarding alleged irregularities in the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
What was the response from the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar?
The CEO, Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, dismissed the claims as unverified and emphasized that any complaints must be filed in the prescribed format according to election laws.
What is Rule 13 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960?
Rule 13 stipulates the procedure for removing names from electoral rolls, which must be conducted using Form 7.
Are objections to the electoral rolls allowed from political parties?
No, objections must be submitted by individuals or through Booth Level Agents, but the Election Commission has stated that complaints from political parties will not be accepted.
What does the Supreme Court's interim order state regarding electoral objections?
The Supreme Court's interim order mandates that objections concerning incorrect entries in the electoral rolls must be filed in the correct format with the appropriate Electoral Registration Officer.
