Opposition Seeks Lok Sabha Debate on Bihar Electoral Roll Revision

In a significant political development, the INDIA bloc Opposition parties on Friday (August 1, 2025) urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to permit a special discussion in Parliament on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

The request comes amid growing concerns that the revision exercise, ordered just months ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, could compromise the integrity of the electoral process and influence voter participation.

What the Opposition Letter States

In their joint letter to the Speaker, members of the INDIA alliance — including MPs from Congress, RJD, DMK, AAP, TMC, and Left parties — said:

“The timing and manner in which this revision is being conducted raises serious questions about its motivation and transparency. We urge you to allow a full discussion on the floor of the House.”

The letter further mentions that any changes to the electoral roll must be above political suspicion and done with full public confidence, especially in states where elections are imminent.

Concerns About the SIR in Bihar

The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls was launched by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in early July, 2025. This was intended to update and correct entries in the state’s voter database ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for November.

However, Opposition leaders claim that:

• Large-scale deletions and transfers are being conducted without proper verification.

• The revision is being done hastily and without public consultation.

• Some segments of the population — especially Dalits, minorities, and migrant workers — may be disproportionately affected.

Opposition’s Key Demands

1. Immediate parliamentary discussion on the revision process, with input from the ECI.

2. Formation of a multi-party Parliamentary oversight committee to monitor the electoral roll revision in Bihar.

3. Greater transparency from the ECI about the criteria and methodology used in the SIR.

Government’s Stand So Far

The Union Law Ministry and the ECI have maintained that the SIR is routine and essential to ensure that:

• Duplicate and ineligible voters are removed.

• New voters, especially those turning 18, are added.

• The electoral roll reflects accurate, updated information.

They argue that the process is being done in compliance with legal provisions, including Rule 22 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and has no political intent.

Broader Political Context

With Bihar’s Assembly elections due later this year, the revision of voter rolls has become a flashpoint in the ongoing tussle between the INDIA bloc and the BJP-led NDA.

Opposition leaders say that voter suppression tactics are being disguised as routine administrative updates, while the BJP contends that the INDIA bloc is “preparing excuses” in case of electoral defeat.

Earlier this week, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the state’s election officials of operating under “political pressure” and claimed that several poor and minority voters were being arbitrarily removed from the rolls.

Why It Matters

Electoral roll revisions are a critical part of ensuring free and fair elections. But when conducted close to polls, and without adequate transparency, they can undermine public trust.

The Opposition's appeal reflects concerns that such revisions might lead to:

• Disenfranchisement of vulnerable groups.

• Manipulation of voter data to favour one political alliance.

• Legal and administrative hurdles for genuine voters.

What’s Next

The Lok Sabha is expected to resume proceedings at 2:00 PM today, and Speaker Om Birla is yet to formally respond to the INDIA bloc’s request. However, senior Opposition leaders have warned that if their demand is not considered, they may stage a walkout or protest inside the Parliament.

Additionally, several civil society organisations and election watchdogs have voiced similar concerns and called for judicial oversight or an independent audit of the voter list revision.

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