ECI Flags Low Political Participation In Bihar Voter Roll Revision

With 10 days left before the claims and objections window closes, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said on Friday that voters in Bihar have filed 84,305 applications for additions or deletions in the draft rolls, but political parties have raised only two objections.

Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) have already resolved 6,092 of the total applications.

The revision process, which began on 1 August, will remain open until 1 September.

So far, the CPI(ML) Liberation is the only party to submit objections, filing two complaints on the draft rolls.

The ECI noted that despite repeated appeals, political parties have not actively participated in the exercise.

Since 1 August, as many as 2,63,257 young voters, who turned 18 after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), have applied for inclusion in the rolls.

Role of Booth-Level Agents

The Commission stressed that a month-long window has been provided for individuals, parties, and their 1.6 lakh booth-level agents (BLAs) to highlight discrepancies.

Among parties, the RJD has deployed 47,506 BLAs, the Congress 17,549, and the Left parties over 2,000, together accounting for more than 67,000 representatives.

“Submit your claims and objections to rectify any errors in the draft electoral roll of Bihar published on August 1. So far, not even a single claim or objection has been submitted by any political party,” the poll body reiterated, adding that the rolls are prepared strictly in accordance with the law.

The ECI clarified that eligible voters left out can file Form 6 with Aadhaar by 1 September, while electors of the concerned Assembly constituency can raise objections to ineligible names through Form 7.

Recognised parties’ BLAs may also file these forms on behalf of voters.

Additionally, even non-electors of a constituency can raise objections, provided they submit a declaration under Rule 20(3)(b) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, the statement added.

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