3.95 Lakh Voters Omitted from Patna Electoral Roll: Bihar SIR Report

Quick Summary:

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) published Bihar’s draft electoral roll after the frist phase of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) on August 1, 2025.
• Key statistics indicate Patna recorded the highest number of missing voters at 3.95 lakh, while three other districts-East Champaran, Madhubani, and Gopalganj-each had over 3 lakh exclusions.
• In total, more than 65 lakh voter names were dropped across Bihar during this revision process.
• Opposition leaders from the INDIA bloc raised concerns about clarity and requested detailed data such as an Assembly-wise breakdown and proof provided for removing deceased or “untraceable” voters.
• The INDIA bloc questioned whether proper notices were issued before voter name removal as mandated by law. They also sought clarity regarding potential inclusion or identification of foreign nationals in the rolls.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The large-scale removal of over 65 lakh voters raises essential questions about electoral transparency and inclusiveness in Bihar’s political landscape. While efforts to update electoral rolls are crucial for maintaining integrity, concerns from opposition parties highlight a need to ensure procedural fairness – especially in informing affected individuals before their removal.

Opposition queries regarding deceased or untraceable voters’ documentation underscore critical accountability challenges for the ECI. Moreover,unanswered requests regarding access to detailed lists and explanations may fuel public doubts about institutional credibility ahead of upcoming elections. Ensuring impartial compliance with election laws will be key to preserving trust among all stakeholders.

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