The Grand Alliance, also known as Mahagathbandhan, in Bihar is staging a significant protest today, July 9, against the Election Commission of India's (ECI) special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the protest, dubbed a "Chakka Jam" (complete blockade), aims to challenge what the opposition claims is a move to disenfranchise poor and migrant voters ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
Here are key points regarding the protest and the underlying electoral roll row:
Opposition to SIR: The Grand Alliance, which includes parties like the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, strongly opposes the ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. They argue that the revision process is flawed and could lead to a large-scale removal of eligible voters, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Rahul Gandhi's Leadership: Rahul Gandhi is at the forefront of this protest, leading the "Chakka Jam" in Patna. His participation underscores the significance the Congress party attaches to this issue and highlights the unity within the Grand Alliance. This marks his seventh visit to Bihar in the last five months.
Allegations of Disenfranchisement: A central argument of the Grand Alliance is that the SIR process will disproportionately affect the poor, migrants, Dalits, and Mahadalits, potentially depriving them of their voting rights. They view the ECI's demands for specific documents as a deliberate attempt to reduce the voter base before the Bihar Assembly Elections.
Document Requirements: The ECI has mandated that voters fill out forms and submit any of 11 specified documents as proof of identity. The opposition contends that many people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, may not possess these documents, leading to their exclusion from the electoral rolls. It is the list of documents to be submitted to the EC which has become a bone of contention.
"Votebandi" Allegations: The CPIML, a significant member of the Mahagathbandhan, has likened the SIR exercise to "notebandi" (demonetization), coining it "votebandi" (disenfranchisement) of the poor. They argue that the ECI's motives are unclear and that the revision process appears designed to help the ruling NDA.
Timing and Intent Questioned: Opposition leaders, including Tejashwi Yadav, have questioned the timing and intent of the ECI's revision, particularly since the same voter list was used in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. They argue that there is no valid reason for such a sweeping revision so close to the Assembly polls and suspect a hidden agenda.
Traffic Disruption Expected: The "Chakka Jam" is likely to cause significant traffic disruptions in Patna. The Grand Alliance is mobilizing its workers from across the state to participate in the protest, potentially leading to roadblocks and congestion at major intersections.
Legal Challenge: The RJD has already moved the Supreme Court to challenge the ECI's decision on SIR. Other political parties, including RJD MP Manoj Jha and TMC MP Mahua Moitra, have also approached the Supreme Court, calling the ECI's decision arbitrary and potentially disenfranchising. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter on July 10, a day after the "Chakka Jam".
ECI's Stance: The Election Commission maintains that the special intensive revision is necessary to update and purify the electoral rolls. However, the opposition alleges that the ECI is confused over the mode of implementing SIR as it is itself changing its orders every now and then. The Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that “Aadhar was a document meant only for identity of the person and not a proof of date of birth or address,”.
Political Ramifications: The electoral roll row and the Grand Alliance's protest have significant political ramifications for Bihar. With the Assembly elections approaching, the issue of voter registration and potential disenfranchisement has become a major point of contention between the opposition and the ruling NDA. The outcome of the protest and the subsequent legal challenge in the Supreme Court could significantly impact the electoral landscape in Bihar.
