The Election Commission has given a month, up to September 1, for citizens and political parties to file claims and objections based on the draft electoral rolls
Despite political parties publicly questioning the Election Commission of India’s decision to conduct the special intensive revision (SIR) drive in Bihar just months before assembly polls, none have filed claims or objections in the four days since the draft electoral rolls were released.
A total of 1.60 lakh booth-level agents (BLAs) were deputed by the major political parties in the state to cross-check the process followed by the ECI. The poll body has given a month, up to September 1, for citizens and political parties to file claims and objections based on the draft rolls.
Only 941 claims and objections were received from the public by August 3, which increased to 2,864 by August 5, the ECI data shows. As per the rules, the claims and objections are to be disposed of after the expiry of seven days.
Apart from cleaning the existing rolls, the ECI has simultaneously launched a drive to add newly eligible voters to ensure no genuine elector is left out. Starting August 1, the ECI has also launched a special drive across Bihar to register new voters, including those turning 18 till October 1.
The ECI stated on Tuesday that at least 14,914 new voters have submitted Form 6 along with a Declaration Form. A total of 3,223 forms were submitted in the first 24 hours, the Election Commission data shows.
Usually, across India, if new voters want to enrol, they have to submit Form 6. This form is submitted along with proof of age and residence.
Unlike the regular Form 6 for additions of names, the potential voters in Bihar also need to submit a Declaration Form, demanding proof of ancestry, particularly from those born after 1987.
The Declaration Form—not a replacement for Form 6, but an additional declaration needed for those born after July 1, 1987—is specific to Bihar’s voter revision exercise.
It asks for birth documents of the applicants—and in some cases, also of their parents—to prove eligibility. If the parents are foreign nationals or lack Indian citizenship records, they need to provide passport and visa copies.
“The Election Commission is repeatedly stating that no eligible elector to be left out and no ineligible elector to be included in the final electoral roll of Bihar,” the poll body said on Tuesday.
Political parties have been urged to submit claims and objections to rectify any errors in the draft electoral rolls of Bihar published on August 1.
Congress leader KC Venugopal had alleged that the names of many voters had been “excluded” from the draft electoral rolls. The party has appointed 17,549 BLAs. The Rashtriya Janata Dal—the main opposition party of Bihar—has also claimed that the SIR drive has deleted the names of eligible voters. Despite deploying 47,506 BLAs, no claim has been filed by the party so far.
The final rolls are expected to be published by September 30, and the names of any missing eligible electors can be added to the list till September 1.
Over 7.24 crore out of 7.89 crore registered voters in Bihar had submitted their enumeration forms before the July 25 deadline, and all of them were included in the draft rolls.
Last week, News18 reported that 66 lakh voters were removed during the SIR in Bihar. Almost four lakh names were dropped from Patna—the highest among all districts—followed by 3.52 lakh in Madhubani.
As Bihar prepares for polls likely in November, officials say the Election Commission’s intensified efforts reaffirm its goal of building an inclusive, verified voter roll—a cornerstone of free and fair democratic participation.
