SIR Row: Only 117 Claims, Objections Received From Political Parties In Bihar, Says ECI

Despite repeated allegations of ‘vote theft’ and ‘voter list manipulation’ by opposition parties, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday revealed that only 117 claims and objections came from political parties between 1 and 29 August.

This stands in sharp contrast to nearly 2,12,000 claims and objections submitted directly by electors.

In its 29 August bulletin, the ECI stated that political parties made 117 submissions, of which the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation filed 108.

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) submitted nine objections. None of the six recognised national parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress (INC), and the National People’s Party, filed any claims or objections.

Opposition Criticism Continues

The announcement came amid continued criticism from the Congress and RJD, who have alleged that the Special Summary Revision (SIR) process is a conspiracy to disenfranchise eligible voters.

The SIR began on 24 June with the publication of the draft electoral roll on 1 August. The deadline for filing claims and objections ends on 1 September, leaving only three days for submissions.

The Election Commission of India clarified that generic complaints, without prescribed forms, not treated as valid claims or objections.

Data on Electors’ Submissions

The bulletin also confirmed that the Election Registration Officer (ERO) received zero claims from any person other than electors of a specific Assembly Constituency, as defined under Section 2(g) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Meanwhile, individual electors filed 2,11,650 claims and objections to ensure the inclusion of eligible voters and the removal of ineligible names. The poll body also recorded 11,36,565 new forms from citizens who have turned 18 or above.

The Election Commission of India stressed that no name can be deleted from the draft roll without a speaking order from the ERO or AERO after proper inquiry. It further noted that aggrieved persons can submit their claims in Form 6 with a copy of their Aadhaar card before the deadline.

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