Why Did Political Parties in Bihar Not Raise Any Objections to the SIR Draft?
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Synopsis
In the wake of the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar, the Election Commission reports that political parties have raised no objections to the electoral draft rolls. This raises questions about the transparency of the election process, especially as more than 65 lakh voters have been omitted from the rolls, prompting public concern.
Key Takeaways
- Zero objections filed by political parties in Bihar.
- 5,015 direct objections submitted by individuals.
- Concerns raised over the exclusion of 65 lakh voters.
- Election Commission emphasizes a transparent process.
- Over 67,000 Booth Level Agents are active in Bihar.
New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) The Election Commission (EC) announced on Thursday that all political parties, including the Opposition factions such as RJD and Congress, have collectively filed no 'claims and objections' for the inclusion or exclusion of names in the electoral draft rolls, one week post-publication. Despite this, 5,015 individuals have raised concerns directly with the poll panel.
The lack of objections from the political parties is noteworthy given that a week has elapsed since the August 1 publication, which allows for the redressal of grievances.
While 5,015 people have lodged direct objections with the Election Commission, more than 27,000 individuals have applied to add their names to the voters list, having turned 18.
The draft rolls, released after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, have become a point of contention between the Opposition and the Election Commission, with accusations of a scheme to exclude approximately 65 lakh voters from the list.
The EC has asserted that their processes are transparent and that the removal of 65 lakh names was due to unavoidable circumstances, such as death or permanent relocation.
The Commission has consistently engaged with political parties to encourage their participation in the revision process and to report any instances of disenfranchisement.
“Please submit your claims and objections to correct any inaccuracies in the draft Electoral Roll of Bihar published on August 1. To date, not a single claim or objection has been submitted by any political party,” the EC stated.
The RJD has 47,506 Booth Level Agents (BLAs), Congress has 17,549, and the Left has over 2,000, totaling over 67,000 BLAs.
Bihar has a total of 7.89 crore voters. Of these, 7.24 crore completed their enumeration forms during the SIR initiative and thus qualify as eligible voters. With 65 lakh voters failing to be included in the final list after revision, Opposition parties have criticized the EC for allegedly conducting a biased and partisan process in the election-bound state.
Point of View
I find it crucial to highlight the significance of voter inclusion in any electoral process. The absence of objections from political parties raises serious questions about engagement and transparency. While the Election Commission claims a clean process, the concerns voiced by citizens cannot be overlooked, emphasizing the need for vigilance in safeguarding democratic rights.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the zero objections from political parties?
The zero objections indicate a potential lack of engagement from political parties in the electoral process, which raises questions about their commitment to ensuring fair representation.
How many people have submitted objections to the draft rolls?
A total of 5,015 individuals have directly submitted objections to the Election Commission regarding the draft electoral rolls.
What are the reasons for the deletion of 65 lakh names?
The Election Commission stated that the deletion of 65 lakh names was due to reasons like death or permanent migration, aiming to maintain an accurate voters list.
What is the role of Booth Level Agents in this process?
Booth Level Agents (BLAs) play a crucial role in ensuring accurate voter registration and assisting in the electoral process at the grassroots level.
How many total voters are there in Bihar?
Bihar has a total of 7.89 crore voters, with 7.24 crore having submitted enumeration forms during the Special Intensive Revision.
