Bihar SIR: Irregularities Surface in Deleted Voter Lists

Quick Summary

• A detailed analysis of the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) data on 65 lakh deleted voters in Bihar reveals significant anomalies:

– Young deaths: 80 polling stations recorded a disproportionate number of deceased voters under the age of 50.
– Gender bias: In 127 parts, women accounted for over 80% of deletions.
– High deletion rates: Nearly 1,985 polling stations reported abnormally high numbers of voter deletions.
– Excessive deaths: Overwhelming death statistics were recorded in about 412 polling stations.
– 100% death-only deletions: Around 973 polling stations exclusively attributed all deletion to deaths-a statistically improbable scenario.

• geographic patterns:

– High concentration in border districts like Purnia and Kishanganj, minority-heavy constituencies, and unusual anomalies within Gopalganj constituency.
– Women electors aged between18-29 disproportionately affected.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The presented data raises concerns about systemic flaws or potential irregularities in voter list management. Anomalies such as disproportionately young fatalities, skewed gender ratios among deleted voters, statistically improbable death-only deletions, and mass absentee classifications demand thorough scrutiny. The geographic concentration near international borders suggests further examination into demographic factors or administrative oversight.

Restoration mechanisms for potentially erroneous exclusions need to be promptly addressed by the ECI through extended deadlines for claims and objections. With women voters facing disproportionate disenfranchisement across several constituencies, both procedural rigor and openness must be strengthened to protect electoral participation equitably across all demographic groups.

Read more: Link to article