The INDIA bloc has raised serious concerns with the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, fearing that it could disenfranchise a significant number of voters, potentially in the "tens of lakhs" or even "2-3 crore". The opposition parties argue that this revision, undertaken just before the upcoming assembly elections, disproportionately affects marginalized communities and could lead to the deletion of genuine voters from the electoral rolls.
A key point of contention is the ECI's stance on individuals whose names appeared in the electoral rolls as of 2003. Reportedly, the ECI considers those listed in 2003 as exempt from re-enrollment, while those not listed must undergo the process anew. The INDIA bloc argues this classification lacks clarity and legal justification, describing the exercise as "a misleading and questionable measure masquerading as a corrective step," warning it could result in targeted disenfranchisement.
The opposition has also criticized the ECI for introducing "complex and burdensome rules" that require voters to submit their birth certificates and those of their parents, based on their year of birth. They argue these requirements are arbitrary, inconsistent, and place an unfair burden on the estimated 8.1 crore eligible voters in Bihar in 2025. Specifically, concerns were raised regarding a requirement for those born before July 1, 1987, to prove their date and/or place of birth. Those born between July 1, 1987, and December 2, 2004, must prove their date of birth and the date/place of birth of one parent, while those born after December 2, 2004, need to prove the same for both parents.
Adding to the apprehension is the limited timeframe for this revision. The INDIA bloc has pointed out that conducting such a massive exercise in a short period, for a state with approximately 8 crore voters, raises concerns about its thoroughness and potential for errors. They also highlight the lack of legal remedy, suggesting voters may not be able to challenge deletions once elections are announced, as courts generally do not hear challenges during an election.
The INDIA bloc has questioned the rationale behind the special revision, asking if the elections held in the 22 years since the last revision in 2003 were "faulty or imperfect or unreliable". They also raised concerns about the ECI's acknowledgement that a significant percentage of Bihar voters are migrant workers, who may be at risk of losing their voting rights if they are not considered "ordinary residents".
Some leaders have gone so far as to compare the SIR to "votebandi," drawing a parallel to the demonetization policy, and warned of a "big protest" if the ECI proceeds with the exercise. They claim the "votes of Biharis are in danger" and the ECI's action puts a question mark on the citizenship claims of many young voters enrolled after 2003.
In response to these concerns, the ECI has stated that the SIR is being conducted in accordance with the provisions of Article 326, the Representation of the People Act 1950, and instructions issued on June 24, 2025. They assured that each concern raised by the parties was "fully addressed". The ECI has also issued instructions to ensure all eligible citizens are included in the electoral roll. A senior official noted that the EC thanked the parties for appointing over 1.5 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to participate in the process and ensure no eligible voter is left out.
