Why are Over 2 Lakh Voters in Bihar Objecting to the Draft Voter List?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 2 lakh voters filed claims and objections.
- First-time voters show significant interest.
- 1,60,813 Booth Level Agents are active across Bihar.
- Deadline for claims and objections is August 31.
- 65 lakh names were deleted in previous revisions.
Patna, Aug 30 (NationPress) The preparations for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections are intensifying, underscored by significant engagement in the current Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list.
The Election Commission reports that a total of 2,27,636 voters have submitted claims and objections regarding entries in the draft voter list.
Out of these, 29,872 applications aim for the inclusion of names on the electoral rolls, while 1,97,764 applications focus on the exclusion of names from the voter lists. In the past week, the election commission has resolved 33,771 applications.
A particularly promising sign is the enthusiasm among first-time voters.
In August alone, 13,33,793 youths aged 18 and above have filed Form-6 applications to enroll their names on the voter lists.
An official from the ECI indicated that this reflects a robust interest from young voters in engaging with the democratic process.
If these applications are approved, over 13 lakh new names will be incorporated into the electoral rolls this year. The Election Commission has reported the disposal of 61,248 applications in the last week.
The Commission's report also emphasizes the significant role of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by various political parties.
Currently, 1,60,813 BLAs from 12 political parties are actively assisting voters with corrections and new registrations throughout the state.
Among these, CPIML BLAs submitted the highest number of claims and objections at 118, while RJD agents contributed 10 forms as of Saturday.
Within the 118 claims and objections from CPI ML, 15 applications were for adding names to the electoral rolls, while 103 aimed to remove names from the lists.
Officials reported that such initiatives by political parties, voters, and the Commission are enhancing the transparency and accuracy of the revision process.
In previous intensive revision drives, nearly 65 lakh names were removed from the rolls to eliminate ineligible or duplicate entries.
The deadline for filing claims and objections is August 31.