New Delhi, November 15:The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a detailed clarification on Saturday in response to concerns raised by the Congress party regarding a discrepancy in Bihar’s voter count. The Congress had flagged a difference of nearly 300,000 voters between the initial and final voter roll numbers.

In a Facebook post, the Congress party pointed out that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had announced the total voter count for Bihar as 74.2 million in a press note dated October 6, but the number was revised to 74.5 million in the Commission’s press release issued after polling.

The Congress raised questions about the sudden increase in the number of voters, accusing the ECI of lacking transparency.

In its response, the ECI explained that the initial figure of 74.2 million was based on the final electoral roll published on September 30. This roll had been prepared following a comprehensive revision before the announcement of the election schedule. The Commission clarified that the September 30 electoral roll is traditionally considered the baseline for voter data before any election.

However, the ECI also pointed out that under election rules, eligible citizens are allowed to apply for voter enrollment until 10 days before the last date for filing nominations for each election phase. This period remains open even after the election is formally announced, allowing for the inclusion of new voters.

According to ECI officials, between October 1 and the nomination deadline for both phases of the election, the Commission received numerous valid applications. After careful scrutiny, all eligible applicants were added to the voter list, ensuring that no qualified citizen was excluded from the electoral process.

As a result of these additions, the voter count rose by approximately 300,000, bringing the total to 74.5 million. The ECI emphasized that this updated figure was accurately reflected in the press release issued after the completion of voting.

The Commission concluded that the variation in voter numbers was a procedural matter, fully compliant with electoral rules and practices, and was not unusual in the context of election processes.