SC to Hear RJD, CPI(ML) Plea for Extending Bihar Caste Survey Deadline to Sept 15

Quick Summary

• The Supreme Court has agreed to hear applications on September 1, 2025, filed by political parties like RJD and CPI(M-L), requesting a deadline extension for submitting claims and objections regarding voter exclusions in BiharS draft electoral roll.
• Parties have requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to extend the last date from September 1 to September 15 due to increased claims as an August 22 Supreme Court order permitted submissions with Aadhaar cards.
• The number of claims doubled within five days, increasing from 84,305 on August 22 to 1,78,948 on August 27. However, BLOs allegedly refused Aadhaar cards alone in some cases despite the court’s order.
• CPI(M-L) raised concerns about officers requiring Form 6 for re-inclusion; RJD accused ECI of ignoring Aadhaar card-based claims while misrepresenting data in daily reports.
• Floods across Bihar’s districts are reportedly hampering efforts for verification of deleted voters’ lists; parties argue thes circumstances make meeting registration deadlines difficult.

Indian opinion Analysis

The urgency behind extending voter registration deadlines highlights broader systemic challenges related to inclusivity and transparency during electoral processes in India. While facilitating claims through simplified documentation such as Aadhaar provides relief for disenfranchised voters, ensuring implementation at local levels and addressing bureaucratic inconsistencies remains a concern. Moreover, natural disasters like widespread flooding exacerbate logistical hurdles for voter enrollment efforts.

Given the allegations against BLOs and discrepancies noted by political groups regarding daily status reports, it is indeed crucial that authorities maintain credibility by adhering strictly to court directives while incentivizing cooperation at ground levels. Addressing grievances timely could strengthen democratic participation while highlighting preparedness challenges during emergency-driven disruptions like floods.

Read more: The hindu