Electoral Roll Controversy: Tejashwi Yadav Claims Missing Voter Entry, ECI Responds

Bihar is witnessing increased political scrutiny as it prepares for the 2025 Assembly elections. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll is under the spotlight, with claims of irregularities. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has stated that his name is missing from the draft voter list, even after completing the necessary enumeration form. He has questioned his ability to contest the upcoming elections. Janata Dal (United) has responded, accusing Yadav of misleading the public regarding the voter list. Yadav, during a press conference, confirmed he had submitted the form and that his name was still missing from the rolls. He also noted the lack of information despite providing his EPIC number. The Patna district administration has clarified that Yadav’s name is included, but his polling station and serial number have been changed. Yadav has expressed concern over the potential scope of these changes, suggesting a possible attempt to manipulate the voter list. JDU’s chief spokesperson, Neeraj Kumar, labeled Tejashwi a “political fraud”. The Election Commission (ECI) has refuted Yadav’s claims, asserting that his name is listed in the draft electoral roll. Yadav has not yet issued a response to the ECI’s statement. This issue has intensified the already heated political environment in Bihar, just before the elections. Bihar’s draft electoral roll has gone live, with a minority of the 7.23 crore applicants submitting documents. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Electoral Roll is a verification process underway in Bihar, in preparation for the elections. The Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar and 243 Electoral Officers will invite the voter or any recognised political party to file their objections regarding any discrepancies in the electoral roll. The objections can be made from 1st August to 1st September 2025. ECI issued instructions for conducting Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar on 24th of last month. The objectives of the exercise were to ensure the inclusion of names of all eligible citizens in the electoral roll in a transparent manner. The last intensive revision for Bihar was conducted by the Commission in the year 2003. The voters can check their details at ECI website.