As the deadline approaches for submitting enumeration forms, Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive is nearing completion, marking a significant effort to revise the state's electoral rolls. The Election Commission of India (ECI) initiated this drive to ensure the integrity of the voter list by removing ineligible entries and including all eligible voters.

Voter Participation and Coverage

The ECI has reported substantial progress in the SIR drive, with approximately 7.23 crore voters participating in the process. This accounts for over 90% of the total enumeration forms. While a vast majority of electors have been covered, around 1.2 lakh forms are still pending. The ECI is making efforts to ensure that no eligible elector is left out, and those who have not yet submitted their forms are being encouraged to do so.

Addressing Discrepancies in Electoral Rolls

During the SIR drive, the ECI has identified several discrepancies in the electoral rolls. These include:

• Deceased Voters: Approximately 20 lakh voters have been reported as deceased.
• Shifted Voters: Around 28 lakh voters have permanently shifted from their registered addresses.
• Untraceable Voters: Around 1 lakh electors remain "untraceable".
• Duplicate Enrollments: Approximately 7 lakh electors were found to be enrolled at more than one place.

The ECI aims to remove these entries from the electoral rolls to improve accuracy and prevent fraudulent voting.

Controversy and Opposition

The SIR drive has faced considerable opposition from various political parties. Opposition leaders have alleged that the ECI is conducting the revision exercise in a rushed manner, potentially disenfranchising marginalized communities who may lack the necessary documents. Concerns have also been raised about the timing of the SIR drive, which is taking place just months before the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. Some opposition leaders have even threatened to boycott the elections if the ECI proceeds with the revision exercise.

The opposition has staged protests against the SIR drive, alleging that it is a targeted attempt to disenfranchise a large segment of the population. They argue that the burden of proof lies with the voter, and the process disproportionately impacts poor and marginalized communities.

ECI's Response and Way Forward

The ECI has defended its actions, stating that the revision is necessary to purify the voter list and eliminate duplicate entries and those of individuals who have permanently migrated or passed away. The ECI has also clarified that no eligible voter will be arbitrarily removed from the electoral rolls and that citizens will have opportunities to file objections or submit documents after the draft roll is released.

The ECI will publish the draft electoral roll on August 1, 2025. A public window will remain open from August 1 to September 1, 2025, for filing objections, requesting deletions, or seeking corrections. The final electoral roll will be published after considering all claims and objections.

Efforts to Improve Voter Accessibility

In addition to revising the electoral rolls, the ECI is also taking steps to improve voter accessibility. The ECI has revised the maximum number of electors per polling station from 1,500 to 1,200 to reduce voter congestion. The state has added new polling stations, placing all booths within 2 km of voters, improving accessibility in rural areas.

Conclusion

The Bihar SIR drive is a comprehensive effort to revise the state's electoral rolls and improve voter accessibility. While the drive has faced opposition and raised concerns about potential disenfranchisement, the ECI is committed to ensuring that all eligible voters are included in the final electoral roll. The publication of the draft electoral roll on August 1, 2025, will mark a crucial step in the process, allowing citizens to verify their information and file any necessary claims or objections.