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The article discusses the challenges and objections raised against the draft electoral rolls in Bihar in the context of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The focal point is the comparatively low number of objections filed by political parties, specifically the CPI(ML) and RJD, in contrast to the objections raised by individual voters. This disparity has drawn the attention of the Supreme Court, which has expressed surprise at the apparent inaction of political parties in assisting citizens excluded from the draft electoral rolls. The process of electoral roll revision is a critical aspect of ensuring fair and representative elections. It involves updating the voter list to reflect changes in residency, deaths, and other factors that may affect voter eligibility. The draft electoral rolls serve as a preliminary version of the voter list, allowing individuals and political parties to review the information and raise objections or claims if they believe errors or omissions have occurred. The SIR is a specific initiative designed to intensify the revision process, typically involving booth-level agents (BLAs) who are responsible for verifying information and assisting voters in registering or correcting their details. The low number of objections filed by political parties, despite the presence of a significant number of BLAs, suggests a disconnect between the political parties and the local population, as highlighted by the Supreme Court. This disconnect could be attributed to various factors, including a lack of awareness among voters about the process, logistical challenges in filing objections, or a lack of engagement by political parties in the revision process. The ECI's role is to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the electoral rolls. The article highlights the apparent tension between the ECI and political parties regarding the filing of complaints. The ECI initially stated that no claims or objections had been filed by BLAs, while political parties claimed they had submitted complaints that were countersigned as receipts. This discrepancy was later clarified by the ECI, which stated that only complaints filed using the prescribed forms and declarations would be counted. The emphasis on formal procedures underscores the importance of adhering to established guidelines in the electoral process. The scale of the revision process is significant, with 7.24 crore voters included in the draft electoral rolls and 65 lakh names deleted from the July 2025 voter list. The reasons for deletion include deaths, migration, and duplicate entries, reflecting the dynamic nature of the population and the need for regular updates to the voter list. The figures for claims and objections filed also include those from among the deleted list, highlighting the potential for errors or disputes in the deletion process. The Supreme Court's intervention in the matter underscores the importance of ensuring that no eligible voters are disenfranchised due to errors or omissions in the electoral rolls. The court's directive to political parties to assist those excluded from the draft electoral rolls reflects a recognition of their role in facilitating voter participation and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The controversy surrounding the objections highlights the complexity of managing electoral rolls and the need for greater transparency and collaboration between the ECI and political parties. The article suggests that the process of electoral roll revision in Bihar is facing challenges, with concerns raised about the level of engagement by political parties and the potential for errors or omissions in the voter list. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure fair and representative elections.
The Supreme Court's observation regarding the inaction of political parties is a significant point of concern. With over 1.6 lakh BLAs appointed, the expectation was that these agents would actively participate in identifying discrepancies and assisting eligible voters in registering. The fact that only a small fraction of these BLAs filed objections raises questions about the effectiveness of the BLA system and the commitment of political parties to ensuring accurate electoral rolls. Several potential explanations exist for this perceived inaction. Firstly, the BLAs may lack adequate training or resources to effectively identify and address issues in the electoral rolls. Secondly, they may face challenges in accessing information or interacting with voters in their designated areas. Thirdly, the political parties themselves may not be prioritizing electoral roll revision, focusing instead on other aspects of their campaign strategy. The Supreme Court's questioning of the political parties' activities after appointing BLAs highlights the importance of accountability and follow-up in the electoral process. The court's observation suggests that merely appointing BLAs is not sufficient; political parties must actively monitor their performance and ensure that they are effectively carrying out their responsibilities. The discrepancy between the political parties' claims of filing complaints and the ECI's initial statements raises concerns about transparency and communication in the electoral process. The ECI's emphasis on formal procedures and prescribed forms underscores the importance of adhering to established guidelines. However, it also raises questions about whether these procedures are sufficiently accessible and user-friendly for voters and BLAs. The sheer volume of voters involved in the electoral process, with 7.24 crore voters included in the draft electoral rolls and 65 lakh names deleted, highlights the complexity of managing electoral rolls and the potential for errors or omissions. The reasons for deletion, including deaths, migration, and duplicate entries, reflect the dynamic nature of the population and the challenges of maintaining an accurate voter list. The inclusion of deleted voters in the claims and objections process further underscores the potential for errors or disputes. The EC’s initial reluctance to acknowledge the receipt of complaints not filed using the correct forms highlights a potential area of reform. While procedural adherence is important, a system that is overly rigid can inadvertently disenfranchise voters who may not be familiar with the intricacies of the required paperwork. A more proactive approach from the EC in assisting voters with the correct filing procedures could improve the overall integrity of the process. The tug-of-war between the EC and political parties, as the article describes it, points to a need for improved communication and collaboration. Both entities have a vested interest in ensuring fair and accurate elections, and a more cooperative relationship could lead to more effective electoral roll management. The article suggests that the electoral roll revision process in Bihar is facing several challenges, including low BLA engagement, procedural complexities, and communication breakdowns. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted fairly and that all eligible voters are able to participate.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) plays a crucial role in the electoral process, tasked with ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. Its responsibilities include maintaining accurate electoral rolls, conducting elections, and overseeing the implementation of electoral laws and regulations. The ECI's initial statements regarding the lack of claims and objections filed by BLAs, followed by the clarification on the requirement of prescribed forms, highlight the importance of adhering to established procedures and guidelines. The emphasis on formal procedures is essential for maintaining the integrity and auditability of the electoral process. However, it also raises questions about the accessibility of these procedures for voters and BLAs, particularly those who may lack familiarity with the intricacies of the electoral system. The sheer scale of the electoral process in Bihar, with millions of voters and numerous polling stations, presents significant logistical challenges for the ECI. Managing electoral rolls, conducting elections, and ensuring voter participation require meticulous planning, coordination, and execution. The ECI's efforts to address issues such as duplicate entries, deceased voters, and migrated voters are commendable, but the potential for errors and omissions remains a concern. The Supreme Court's intervention in the matter underscores the importance of judicial oversight in the electoral process. The court's questioning of the political parties' inaction and its directive to assist excluded voters reflect a commitment to ensuring that all eligible citizens are able to exercise their right to vote. The Supreme Court's role in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process is particularly important in a context where concerns have been raised about the fairness and transparency of elections. The article highlights the potential for political parties to play a more active role in assisting voters and ensuring the accuracy of electoral rolls. The appointment of BLAs is a positive step, but the effectiveness of these agents depends on their training, resources, and commitment to their responsibilities. Political parties should invest in training their BLAs, providing them with the necessary information and tools to identify and address issues in the electoral rolls. Furthermore, political parties should actively monitor the performance of their BLAs and ensure that they are effectively carrying out their duties. The electoral roll revision process is not merely a technical exercise; it is a fundamental aspect of ensuring fair and representative elections. The participation of political parties, civil society organizations, and individual voters is essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and safeguarding the democratic rights of citizens. The article suggests that the electoral roll revision process in Bihar is facing several challenges, including low BLA engagement, procedural complexities, and communication breakdowns. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the ECI, political parties, and other stakeholders. By working together to improve the transparency, accessibility, and effectiveness of the electoral roll revision process, they can help ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted fairly and that all eligible voters are able to participate.
Source: CPI(ML), RJD file 82 objections against draft electoral rolls in Bihar