Bihar SIR: EC issues BIG statement, says these many voters removed from elector list due to...

The revision of voter list in Bihar has led to the removal of more than 51 lakh voters, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said in a statement on Tuesday (July 22). The poll panel further stated that all eligible voters were included in the draft electoral roll, which is to be published on August 1. It added that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) being carried out ahead of the Assembly elections in the state is its constitutional duty.

Why have names been removed?
Of the tens of lakhs of voter names weeded out, 18 lakh are reported dead, 26 lakh have shifted to different constituencies, and 7 lakh are enrolled at two places (meaning a case of duplicate entry), the EC said. Amid concerns that a chunk of voters might be left out due to the exercise, the EC has assured there would be sufficient time to tweak the list to include such electors. "A full one-month will be available to any member of the public to file objections for any additions, deletions and rectification in Draft Electoral Rolls," as per the EC statement.

Why is the exercise controversial?
After voter requests have been processed and the entire process is completed, a final electoral roll will be released on September 30. The EC said that even after that, new voters can be added up to the last date of nominations. The issue of conducting a SIR before the Bihar Assembly elections is pending in the Supreme Court. During hearings, the EC has argued that the exercise is being conducted in a consistent and legal manner, citing its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution.