Why is Congress Questioning the Removal of 65 Lakh Voters in Bihar?
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Synopsis
The Congress party's strong criticism of the Election Commission of India raises crucial questions about the removal of 65 lakh voter names in Bihar. With allegations of lack of transparency in the SIR process, the political landscape is charged as the opposition demands accountability during this sensitive election year.
Key Takeaways
- 65 lakh voters allegedly removed from Bihar's electoral rolls.
- Concerns over transparency in the SIR process.
- Claims of negligence or targeted removal of voters.
- Call for ECI to consult with political parties before major changes.
- Critique of ECI's disregard for Aadhaar verification recommendations.
Patna, Aug 4 (NationPress) The unveiling of the initial draft list under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by the Election Commission of India (ECI) has sparked a significant political uproar in Bihar.
The Congress party has launched a fierce critique against the ECI during a joint press briefing held on Monday, expressing deep apprehensions regarding the purported removal of nearly 65 lakh voter names from the electoral roster.
Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram, former State party head Madan Mohan Jha, and senior party figure Praveen Jha spoke to the press, challenging the transparency and legality of the SIR process.
Rajesh Ram stated, "The elimination of such a vast number of individuals without prior consultation or public notice raises questions about the neutrality of the Election Commission. What justifies the absence of a proper explanation or reliable data, especially when it concerns lives and democratic rights?"
The Congress representatives asserted that the ECI has not made the list of deleted voters accessible to the public nor provided pertinent information on its official website.
They argued that this lack of clarity is undermining trust in the democratic framework.
Referencing a particular incident from Nalanda, Praveen Jha remarked: "In one booth, multiple voters were incorrectly marked as deceased and removed from the electoral rolls, despite many still being alive. This suggests either gross negligence or deliberate action."
He labeled it a "calculated effort to skew the voter demographic," particularly in regions believed to favor opposing parties.
When queried about the alleged double EPIC controversy involving Leader of Opposition and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, Congress officials chose not to elaborate, indicating that the RJD leader himself would provide clarification.
Nevertheless, they emphasized that the primary concern is the flawed and politically motivated SIR process, which they assert disproportionately impacts opposition voters.
Rajesh Ram questioned the preemptive assertion of a 20 percent deletion rate even prior to the commencement of the SIR process.
"How did the Election Commission ascertain this figure in advance? Was it predetermined?" he challenged.
The Congress has urged the EC to engage in discussions with political parties and civil society organizations before implementing such extensive measures in a sensitive election year.
Madan Mohan Jha remarked, "If the government is confident in its voter list revisions, why is it dodging scrutiny from the opposition? The Prime Minister's skepticism towards Supreme Court judges is also troubling."
He criticized the EC for disregarding the Supreme Court's suggestion to incorporate Aadhaar verification, denouncing it as a breach of judicial guidance and public confidence.
Point of View
The concerns raised by the Congress regarding the SIR process are valid. Transparency in electoral processes is vital for democracy. The implications of such large-scale voter removals warrant thorough scrutiny to ensure fairness, especially in a politically sensitive environment like Bihar.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process conducted by the Election Commission of India to update and revise the electoral rolls.
Why is the Congress criticizing the ECI?
The Congress criticizes the ECI for allegedly removing 65 lakh voter names without adequate transparency or public consultation, raising concerns about fairness.
What specific allegations were made by the Congress?
The Congress claimed that many voters were improperly declared deceased and removed from the rolls, suggesting negligence or targeted action.
How has the ECI responded to these allegations?
As of now, the ECI has not publicly addressed the allegations regarding the removal of voter names.
What do the Congress leaders demand from the ECI?
They demand that the ECI engage with political parties and civil society before implementing significant changes to the electoral rolls.
