Tejashwi Yadav claims name missing from voter list; EC refutes, sparks political row in Bihar

Patna, August 2: A political storm erupted in Bihar after Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav alleged on Saturday that his name was missing from the newly released draft voter list. However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) swiftly countered the claim, asserting that Yadav’s name is indeed present at Serial Number 416.

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Tejashwi’s Allegation Triggers Uproar

During a live press conference, Yadav declared, “Even my own name is missing from the voter list,” using the platform to accuse the ECI of conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process without transparency. He alleged that political parties were sidelined during the revision and claimed that the deletions were skewed against poor and marginalised voters.

He also criticised the Commission for allegedly disregarding the Supreme Court’s guidelines and failing to incorporate suggestions from opposition parties. “They said no names would be removed, but in reality, poor voters are being disproportionately targeted,” Yadav asserted.

ECI Responds with Documentation

In response, the Election Commission dismissed Yadav’s claim, confirming that his name appears in the draft list at Serial Number 416. It maintained that the revision process followed due procedure and reassured that all political parties would receive detailed information about deletions in line with standard protocol.

The ECI labeled Yadav’s allegation as "factually incorrect" and reminded voters that the appeal process for corrections and reinstatements remains open until September 1.

Over 65 Lakh Names Removed Across Bihar

According to official data released on Friday, 6,564,075 names were removed from Bihar’s electoral rolls under the SIR exercise. The total number of registered voters in the state dropped from 7.89 crore to 7.24 crore. Patna district saw the highest number of deletions, followed by significant removals in Gaya, Sitamarhi, Araria, Purnia, Darbhanga, Siwan, Vaishali, Begusarai, and Jamui.

Reason: Non-Submission of Enumeration Forms

The ECI clarified that the deletions were based on the non-submission of enumeration forms (EFs), which voters were required to return along with valid ID documents. These forms were distributed by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) or agents nominated by political parties. A total of 65.64 lakh forms were not returned, resulting in corresponding names being omitted from the draft list.

 Opposition Accuses Government of Voter Suppression

Opposition parties have criticised the revision process, alleging that it disproportionately affects the underprivileged and lacks transparency. They have demanded a debate in Parliament, but the government has declined, citing procedural constraints.

 Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju referred to a past ruling by former Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar, stating that Parliament cannot deliberate on the Election Commission’s administrative decisions.

 Appeals Still Open

The ECI has urged voters to verify their status and file appeals if their names are missing. The correction window will remain open until September 1, offering an opportunity to reinstate wrongly deleted names with proper documentation.