ECI’s electoral rolls revision faces political heat in Bihar

Ahead of the upcoming Assembly election in Bihar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday launched a special intensive revision of electoral rolls to ensure that only Indian citizens are allowed to vote. 

In a statement, ECI said that Indian citizens who are at least 18 years old are constitutionally granted the right to vote. It’s important to adhere to the Constitution, as it is supreme in India. 

The clarification comes amid rising criticism from opposition parties, which have questioned the intent and timing of the revision exercise.

Five More States Added to the Voter Roll Check

While ECI is conducting a similar verification drive in five additional states, including Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal – all due for elections in 2026. In the process, the team has been assigned to identify and remove ineligible voters, particularly foreign nationals who may be fraudulently enrolled. They are also instructed to check the place of birth of registered voters as part of the exercise.

Large-Scale Voter Drive Begins Across Bihar

The review has begun in Bihar with the deployment of nearly 80,000 booth level officers (BLOs). Additionally, over 100,000 volunteers will be part to assist vulnerable voters like the elderly, the ill, persons with disabilities, the poor, and other disadvantaged groups during the process. 

The drive in Bihar has seen the appointment of 154,977 booth-level agents to assist BLOs. New forms are being distributed to 78.9 million electors, with 49.6 million only needing to update existing details. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc has alleged political bias, calling the timing suspicious and accusing EC of acting under pressure from the BJP-led NDA. Tejashwi Yadav and Pawan Khera have threatened further action and plan to approach the EC for answers.