July 19,2025:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has reported major developments in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections. According to official data, forms have been received from nearly 90% of electors, while over 36 lakh voters were not found at their registered addresses during the verification process.
The SIR exercise was initiated on June 25, a day after the Commission issued the formal order. The ECI said the nationwide voter list cleanup has begun with Bihar, considering its upcoming state polls. The primary objective is to ensure the accuracy of the electoral rolls by identifying shifted, duplicate, deceased, or ineligible voters.
Election officials, during the door-to-door verification, encountered discrepancies in a significant number of cases. “Around 36 lakh electors could not be located at the addresses provided in the electoral rolls,” said an official from the Bihar Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office. The official added that no names are being deleted without following due procedure.
The Commission clarified that all such cases will be reviewed through a transparent process, and voters will be given an opportunity to respond. Form 7, which allows objections to proposed deletions or requests for corrections, is being widely used during the revision.
The ECI has also urged citizens to participate in the process and ensure that their voter details are accurate and up-to-date. “Public involvement is crucial for building a reliable electoral roll,” the Commission stated.
The move has triggered political reactions, with opposition parties expressing concern over the timing and possible implications of the exercise. Some leaders have questioned whether the large number of deletions could affect electoral dynamics. However, the EC reiterated that the revision is part of routine electoral maintenance and is not politically motivated.
The Commission plans to extend the special revision to other states in a phased manner, especially where Assembly elections are scheduled in the near future.
The ongoing drive in Bihar is expected to conclude in the coming weeks, after which a final updated voter list will be published. With the state gearing up for polls, the electoral roll revision is seen as a critical step toward ensuring free and fair elections.
