Rabri Devi Speaks Out
Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi has called on voters to refuse any document demands—except voter ID—during the current electoral roll revision in Bihar. She believes extra document checks are being used to deprive the poor of their voting rights ahead of the state assembly elections.
Wider Opposition Concerns
Opposition parties, including those in the INDIA bloc, claim the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) could exclude over 2 crore voters. They argue requiring special documents at short notice is unfair to marginalised communities like SC, ST, and migrant workers.
Meeting the Election Commission
- Leaders from 11 parties met the Election Commission on July 2 to raise their concerns.
- Abhishek Manu Singhvi warned this exercise is “the worst attack on democracy” and risks excluding up to 2 crore voters.
- Manoj Jha said the process appeared to be about exclusion, not inclusion.
- Dipankar Bhattacharya called the drive “votebandi”, comparing it to demonetisation.
Commission Responds
- The Election Commission stated the exercise is done under legal authority and all concerns were heard.
- It said voters registered before 2003 (about 4.96 crore) won’t need new documents.
- New rules require photo ID and proof of birth for those registered after 2003.
Rabri Devi’s appeal highlights growing tension over the timing and requirements of the electoral revision, with critics warning that rushed checks could impact the voting rights of the marginalised.