Why Did Political Parties File Only 144 Claims and Objections? ECI Reports

Click to start listening
Why Did Political Parties File Only 144 Claims and Objections? ECI Reports

Synopsis

The Election Commission of India has reported a surprising number of only 144 claims and objections from political parties in Bihar during the filing period. With individual electors filing significantly more, the implications of this data raise questions about the process and its transparency.

Key Takeaways

  • 144 claims and objections filed by parties.
  • 118 objections from CPI (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation.
  • Individual electors filed 2.53 lakh claims.
  • Deadline for filing was September 1.
  • Ongoing criticisms of the Special Intensive Revision process.

New Delhi, Sep 1 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Monday that a total of 144 claims and objections were submitted by political parties in Bihar concerning the draft electoral roll of 7.24 crore electors, as the filing period came to a close.

Among these, 118 objections were lodged by the CPI (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, which included 15 requests for inclusion and 103 for exclusion. The BJP submitted 16 objections aimed at exclusion, while the RJD filed a mere 10 requests for inclusion.

In stark contrast, individual electors filed approximately 2.53 lakh claims and objections regarding the inclusion of eligible voters and the exclusion of ineligible ones, with 40,630 already resolved, as per the Commission's report.

In total, the ECI received 16.56 lakh claims and objections directly from voters across the state, with 91,462 resolved thus far.

This data was disclosed amidst increasing criticism from the Congress and RJD, who argue that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is aimed at disenfranchising voters.

The SIR commenced on June 24, with the draft electoral roll published on August 1, and the deadline for claims and objections ending on September 1.

The ECI emphasized that generic complaints lacking prescribed forms will not be considered valid claims or objections, and no claims were submitted by individuals outside their designated Assembly constituency, adhering to the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Furthermore, the Commission affirmed that no names will be removed from the draft roll without a formal order from the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant ERO after due inquiry.

The ECI also noted that the list of names not included in the draft roll (dated August 1, 2025), along with the reasons for exclusion, is available on district websites and the CEO portal, searchable by EPIC numbers.

Those affected may submit claims using Form 6 (with an Aadhaar copy) for inclusion or objections via Form 7 for deletion, before the September 1 deadline. Additionally, BLAs of recognized political parties can also submit claims and objections through the designated process.

The Commission reiterated that specific objections may also be filed by non-electors of an Assembly constituency, provided they submit the necessary declaration or oath under Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.

Point of View

I believe that the stark contrast between the number of claims submitted by political parties and individual voters in Bihar reflects a significant gap that warrants further investigation. The ongoing criticism from major political parties highlights the need for transparency in the electoral process, ensuring every eligible voter is accounted for. The nation must remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity of our democracy.
NationPress
01/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total number of claims and objections filed?
A total of 144 claims and objections were filed by political parties in Bihar.
Which political party filed the most objections?
The CPI (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation filed the most objections, totaling 118.
What is the deadline for filing claims and objections?
The deadline for filing claims and objections was September 1.
How many claims did individual electors file?
Individual electors filed approximately 2.53 lakh claims and objections.
What is the purpose of the Special Intensive Revision process?
The SIR process aims to update the electoral roll and ensure eligible voters are included while ineligible ones are excluded.