Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp attack on the Election Commission (EC) over its decision to carry out a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, saying the move may potentially strip millions of their right to vote.

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi stated:

“The Constitution gives every Indian the right to vote. The Election Commission must protect this right, not become an instrument for disenfranchisement.”

Opposition Alleges Targeted Voter Suppression

Several opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the CPI(ML), have expressed deep concern over the ongoing revision exercise.

They claim that the process disproportionately affects marginalised and poor communities in Bihar, who often lack documentary proof of citizenship such as birth certificates or land records.

Opposition leaders allege that:

• The drive is politically motivated, aiming to weed out voters considered to be loyal to opposition parties.

• It could violate the fundamental right to vote, especially for migrants, Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities.

• The move is being pushed with undue haste and lack of public awareness.

What Is the Special Intensive Revision?

The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar is a process in which the EC re-verifies the existing voter list to ensure accuracy and legality. Officials claim the exercise is routine and falls in line with regular pre-election preparations.

However, unlike regular revisions that focus on address corrections or new additions, this drive reportedly requires voters to prove their citizenship status, leading to widespread confusion and anxiety.

A senior EC official, defending the process, said:

“This is a standard exercise aimed at ensuring clean and accurate voter rolls. No one is being excluded arbitrarily.”

Ground-Level Impact: Reports from Bihar

From districts like Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar, and Purnia, ground reports indicate that people are being asked to produce multiple documents, including land titles, school certificates, and birth records.

Locals complain that:

• Many illiterate or rural citizens do not possess such documents.

• No clear guidelines have been provided by booth-level officers.

• There is growing fear that names will be deleted from the electoral list permanently.

Political Reactions Pour In

Apart from Rahul Gandhi, other leaders have also spoken out:

• Tejashwi Yadav, RJD leader and former Deputy CM of Bihar, called it a “deliberate move to alter electoral demographics.”

• Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tweeted that “Voting is not a privilege but a right — and Bihar’s poor must not be denied this right due to bureaucratic overreach.”

• The CPI(M) and Trinamool Congress have also sought clarity from the EC and demanded the rollback of the new verification norms.

Election Commission Responds

Under mounting criticism, the Election Commission of India issued a clarification stating that:

• No voter will be removed without proper verification and notice.

• The process is being carried out in accordance with Section 22 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

• Citizens who believe their names are being wrongly excluded can appeal to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).

Despite the clarification, political tensions continue to escalate, with calls for suspension of the revision drive until a transparent, inclusive procedure is assured.

What's at Stake?

With 2025 Assembly Elections in Bihar approaching, voter rolls are a political flashpoint. Critics argue that even if only a fraction of the population is wrongly excluded, it could have a major impact on electoral outcomes.

Analysts also warn that if this model is implemented in other states, millions of Indians without formal paperwork — including migrants, homeless, and elderly — could be left disenfranchised.

Conclusion

Rahul Gandhi’s outburst reflects growing opposition unease with the Election Commission’s recent steps in Bihar. While the EC insists that it’s a routine administrative exercise, the demand for greater transparency and safeguards is rising.

As protests mount, all eyes will be on how the EC balances its duty to maintain clean voter rolls with its constitutional obligation to protect the voting rights of every Indian citizen.

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