Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, stating that extensive consultations were held and no political party was fully satisfied with the existing voter rolls. The Election Commission of India (ECI) emphasized there has been no change in instructions since its June 24 order.
Clarification on Documents and Forms
The ECI issued a statement after Bihar’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) published newspaper ads saying people could submit enumeration forms even without required documents, which could be provided later. Opposition leaders claimed this was a rollback due to political pressure, but the ECI denied any changes to its procedures.
Opposition Reaction
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of trying to suppress voting rights in Bihar.
- CPIML and RJD leaders said the document requirements are impractical and may lead to voter exclusion.
- Only 14.18% of potential voters had submitted forms by July 5.
ECI’s Position
- CEO Vinod Singh Gunjiyal reaffirmed that all instructions remain per the June 24 order.
- Voters may submit required documents up to July 25, and again during the claims and objections period.
- Mr. Kumar said over 5,000 meetings were held with political parties to prepare for the SIR process.
Opposition parties, including the INDIA alliance, have demanded inclusion of Aadhaar, ration, and MGNREGA cards as valid documents. Concerns remain that many voters could be removed from the rolls if documentation hurdles persist.