On August 4, 2025, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra strongly criticised the Central Government for not permitting a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls currently underway in Bihar. She called the issue a “very big concern”, alleging that it directly impacts the voting rights of citizens, and questioned the government’s hesitation to discuss it in Parliament.

Priyanka was speaking to media and party workers when she raised the matter, making it clear that the Congress party and the opposition alliance would continue to raise the issue unless the government agrees to a formal debate. Her remarks follow widespread opposition accusations of voter list irregularities and procedural opacity in Bihar.

What is the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar?

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a targeted and large-scale effort to update and verify the electoral rolls in Bihar, ahead of the upcoming 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. Typically, such exercises are conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in coordination with the state administration to ensure that:

• Duplicate entries are removed

• Dead or migrated voters are delisted

• Eligible new voters, especially youth and first-timers, are added

• Correct addresses and identity data are maintained

However, opposition parties, particularly the Congress, RJD, and Left parties, have raised red flags about the timing, transparency, and lack of consultation in this exercise. There are allegations that genuine voters may be dropped from the rolls under the guise of "cleansing", especially in constituencies seen as strongholds of opposition parties.

Priyanka Gandhi’s Strong Words: ‘Why Shouldn’t We Raise It?’

Addressing the issue on Monday, Priyanka Gandhi said:

This is a very big issue. It relates to the voters’ list, which is the foundation of our democracy. Why shouldn’t we raise it?

She went on to add that democratic accountability demands debate, and that the government must engage with concerns instead of ignoring opposition voices.

Her remarks are seen as an attempt to keep electoral integrity at the centre of political discourse, especially after allegations of tampering, exclusions, and administrative lapses began surfacing from different districts of Bihar.

Opposition’s Unified Demand: Transparency and Scrutiny

Congress and its allies under the INDIA bloc have demanded:

• A Parliamentary debate on the methodology and oversight of the SIR

• A report from the Election Commission detailing the criteria being used

• Involvement of neutral observers or multi-party teams to monitor the revision

• Suspension of the exercise until the Monsoon Session concludes

Leaders of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), CPI(M), Samajwadi Party, and others have echoed Priyanka Gandhi’s concerns. They allege that the revision is politically motivated and being conducted in a non-transparent manner, raising fears that it could lead to voter suppression in opposition-leaning areas.

Government’s Position So Far: Silent and Defensive

As of now, the Union Government has not made any official comment on Priyanka Gandhi’s statement or the demand for a full-fledged debate. Ministers from the Home and Law Ministries have said the matter is under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission, a constitutionally independent body.

However, opposition parties argue that:

• The administrative implementation is under the control of state and central governments

• The Election Commission must be accountable to Parliament through discussion

• Democracy demands transparency, and silence only increases public suspicion

Parliamentary Deadlock and Ongoing Protest

In light of the issue, Congress MPs raised slogans in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, demanding a debate on voter roll manipulation. The Rajya Sabha had earlier been adjourned due to Shibu Soren’s death, but the issue is expected to dominate proceedings when Parliament resumes on August 5.

Posters, placards, and walkouts were seen in both Houses before the adjournment, signalling that the issue could intensify in the coming days.

Election Commission Under Pressure

The Election Commission of India has so far maintained that the Special Intensive Revision is a routine and scheduled procedure, but political pressure is mounting for the body to:

• Release detailed district-wise data on deletions and additions

• Share the instructions issued to Booth Level Officers (BLOs)

• Ensure third-party audits of changes in voter lists

• Take action against any erroneous or suspicious deletions

Election Watchdog groups and citizen forums have begun filing Right to Information (RTI) requests to obtain clarity on how the voter list changes are being handled.

Why the Issue Matters Politically

With Bihar elections approaching in late 2025, control of the electoral rolls can significantly impact the electoral outcome. Political parties are aware that even small changes in voter lists can tilt the balance in closely contested constituencies.

The Congress, in particular, has suffered in past elections due to name deletions and voter exclusion, especially in urban slums, Dalit areas, and tribal belts. By raising the issue early, Priyanka Gandhi and the INDIA alliance are attempting to build public pressure and ensure greater scrutiny of the revision process.

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