INDIA Bloc May Take Legal Route Against Voter Roll Revision in Bihar
Image credit: The Hindu
Opposition parties call EC’s move a threat to democratic rights, claim it could disenfranchise 20% of Bihar's voters
New Delhi/Patna, July 5, 2025 — The INDIA bloc, a coalition of Opposition parties, is considering taking legal action and launching a mass movement against the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) decision to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The move, they claim, could potentially disenfranchise 20% of the state's population, particularly migrant workers, Dalits, and minorities.
This comes a day after a high-level INDIA bloc delegation met with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, raising concerns over the timing, scope, and implications of the revision ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Why Is the Voter Roll Revision Controversial?
- The ECI's decision is being seen as unprecedented and politically sensitive.
- The 20% migrant population, which often comprises workers from Dalit, Backward, and minority communities, may be asked to prove their citizenship or risk being removed from the voter list.
- Opposition parties fear the process could be used as a tool for targeted voter suppression in key constituencies with low election margins.
Opposition Leaders Raise Red Flags
RJD’s Manoj Jha: "An elite coup against the subalterns"
Speaking to The Hindu, RJD MP Manoj K. Jha criticized the Election Commission for not addressing the bloc’s concerns during their recent meeting.
“They may be new commissioners, but the Election Commission is a perennial institution. This is not how democracy works,” said Jha.
“The revision endangers the voting rights of those who leave the state for work—primarily the poor and marginalized.”
Jha also said the INDIA bloc is weighing two options: legal recourse and public mobilization. “We will be doing both,” he confirmed.
CPI(ML)’s Dipankar Bhattacharya: EC Is Overstepping Its Mandate
Dipankar Bhattacharya, General Secretary of CPI(ML) Liberation, accused the EC of venturing beyond its legal authority under the Representation of People Act.
“Without studying document accessibility, the EC has arbitrarily asked voters to prove citizenship. That’s not its mandate.”
He warned that five crore voters may now be forced to prove their legitimacy, an exercise he called deeply flawed.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar Under Fire
Multiple leaders criticized the tone and remarks made by CEC Gyanesh Kumar during the meeting.
- He reportedly referred to the commission as a "new Election Commission", which opposition leaders interpreted as a dismissive attitude toward democratic norms.
- Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said, “The CEC himself admitted that 20% of voters in Bihar may be disenfranchised. That is not normal—it’s a conspiracy to deny people their basic rights.”
- CPI(ML) leader N. Sai Balaji alleged that the CEC failed to maintain decorum during the discussion.
Congress Calls It a “Clear Conspiracy”
At a press conference, senior Congress leaders including Rajesh Kumar, Krishna Allavaru, and Pawan Khera criticized the EC’s intentions.
“The so-called Special Revision is not a technical exercise. It’s a political move to engineer disenfranchisement,” said Khera.
“This is a clear conspiracy against the people of Bihar.”
What the EC Says So Far
While the Election Commission has not issued a formal clarification, sources indicate that the goal of the Special Intensive Revision is to update and verify the accuracy of voter rolls, particularly amid concerns of duplication and outdated data. However, the absence of public consultation or data-backed assessments has fueled backlash.
Background: Migration and Voting in Bihar
Bihar has one of the highest inter-state migration rates in India. According to various surveys, up to 20% of the state’s working population migrates seasonally or permanently to other states for employment.
Critics argue that any in-person verification requirement unfairly targets this group and creates barriers for marginalized communities, effectively shrinking their electoral voice.
What’s Next? Legal & Political Battle Ahead
The INDIA bloc is preparing to challenge the EC’s move on two fronts:
- Legal Action: Petitions may soon be filed in the Patna High Court or Supreme Court, challenging the legality and timing of the revision.
- Public Mobilization: Protests, public meetings, and campaigns are likely to be rolled out to inform voters and build grassroots opposition.
As the Assembly election draws closer, the controversy is expected to become a major political flashpoint in Bihar and potentially a national issue on electoral transparency and constitutional rights.