A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list is underway in Bihar, generating significant controversy. Political figures, including Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, are protesting the process through voter rights marches. The Election Commission has issued notices to approximately 300,000 individuals in Bihar who reportedly came from Bangladesh and Nepal. Failure to provide sufficient information could lead to the removal of these individuals from the voter rolls.
The Election Commission initiated SIR to ensure the accuracy of voter lists before the upcoming assembly elections. Discrepancies in documentation have triggered the issuance of notices, with the highest number of cases originating from Kishanganj, a border district.
There are concerns about individuals from Bangladesh and Nepal holding Indian voter ID cards. Local residents explained that the close proximity to the Nepal border and the long history of cross-border marriages make it challenging to provide the required documentation. The BLOs are requesting 11 different types of documents.
Some individuals are requesting citizenship in these circumstances. Others reported submitting all required documents to the BLO. One individual, born in India to a father from Bangladesh, worries about losing their voting rights, noting they could not provide proof of residence due to work commitments.
Akhilesh Yadav, of the Samajwadi Party, has been critical of SIR, viewing it as an attempt to manipulate the election results. He expressed concern that the government’s actions could lead to further disenfranchisement, also questioning the ruling party’s response to economic challenges.