The upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in 2025 have ignited a debate over the integrity of the electoral roll, specifically regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Allegations of irregularities, including the inclusion of deceased individuals and the exclusion of eligible voters, have surfaced. Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD’s chief ministerial candidate, has claimed his name is missing from the draft voter list despite having filled out the necessary enumeration form. This has raised questions about his eligibility to participate in the elections.
During a press conference in Patna, Tejashwi Yadav expressed his concerns. He stated that his name was absent from the electoral roll despite his participation in the special revision process. He further highlighted that even when his EPIC number was entered, no information about him was found in the system. In response, the Patna district administration confirmed that Tejashwi Yadav’s name is on the voter list, but that his polling station and serial number had been changed. Yadav questioned how many other names were affected by such changes, implying a potential conspiracy to manipulate the voter list.
The JDU’s chief spokesperson, Neeraj Kumar, strongly criticized Yadav, accusing him of engaging in ‘political fraud’ and misleading the public. The Election Commission immediately countered Yadav’s claims, describing them as ‘false and factually incorrect,’ and clarified that his name is present in the draft electoral roll. The incident has heightened tensions in the already charged political environment of Bihar, especially with the elections drawing closer. The SIR process is designed to ensure accurate voter lists, with citizens given the opportunity to raise objections regarding any discrepancies.