Electoral Roll Revision in Bihar Sparks Political Controversy

The Election Commission of India has reported no claims from political parties on Bihar's draft electoral rolls, despite receiving over 6,000 claims directly from voters. As the Special Intensive Revision unfolds, opposition parties raise concerns over potential voter deletions and demand discussions in Parliament.

The Election Commission (EC) announced on Friday that no political party has filed claims or objections concerning the draft electoral rolls in Bihar, even after a week-long invitation to rectify errors. The draft rolls were published on August 1.

The EC emphasizes its commitment to ensuring no eligible elector is excluded and no ineligible person included in the final rolls. Despite the lack of political party submissions, 6,257 claims and objections have been filed by individuals. According to the Commission, 36,060 new elector forms from 18-year-olds have been received so far.

Rules mandate that claims and objections are addressed by Electoral Registration Officers within a week. The revision process, however, has sparked political tensions. The INDIA bloc opposes the revision, fearing voter deletions, and has demanded parliamentary discourse. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged manipulated elections in Karnataka's Mahadevapura, calling the situation 'vote chori' (vote theft).

(With inputs from agencies.)