Why Are Political Parties Silent on Bihar's Draft Voter List?

Election Commission's Update on Bihar Voter List

New Delhi: The Election Commission announced on Saturday that since the release of the draft voter list for Bihar on August 1, no political party has reached out regarding the addition or removal of names from the electoral rolls.

The draft list will remain accessible until September 1, allowing individuals and parties to submit claims for including eligible voters or objections against those they believe should be excluded.

According to the EC, from August 1 to August 9, no representatives from any political party have contacted the election authorities concerning the claims and objections process.

In contrast, 7,252 individuals have taken the initiative to request changes to the draft voter list.

An EC official emphasized, "We are committed to ensuring that no eligible voter is omitted and no ineligible voter is included in Bihar's final electoral roll."

The official urged, "Please submit your claims and objections to correct any inaccuracies in the draft list of Bihar."

Despite the passage of nine days, not a single political party has submitted any claims or objections, the official noted.

This draft list is part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's voter list, which has faced criticism from opposition parties who argue that the process may disenfranchise many eligible voters due to documentation requirements.

The opposition's protests have led to disruptions in both Houses of Parliament since the Monsoon session commenced on July 21.

The EC has reiterated its assurance that all eligible citizens will be included in the electoral rolls.

The final electoral roll is set to be published on September 30.