Initial Phase of Bihar Electoral Roll Revision Completed Amid Row
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that the initial phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has been completed. The announcement comes amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the revision process. As of 6 PM, a massive 1,69,49,208 forms were collected, according to the ECI.
The SIR process is a crucial step in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the electoral rolls. The exercise aims to update the lists of eligible voters, remove duplicate entries, and include those who have recently turned 18 or acquired citizenship.
The CEC, Gyanesh Kumar, stated that “No one was satisfied with the current status of electoral rolls.” This sentiment reflects the widespread discontent among citizens, political parties, and civil society organizations regarding the existing electoral rolls. The ECI’s initiative to revise the rolls is a step towards addressing these concerns.
The SIR process in Bihar has been marred by controversy, with allegations of irregularities and anomalies reported from various districts. Opposition parties have accused the ruling coalition of attempting to manipulate the electoral rolls to influence the outcome of the upcoming elections.
The Bihar elections are scheduled to take place in 2025, and the SIR process is crucial in ensuring a free and fair poll. The ECI’s efforts to revise the electoral rolls will help to identify and eliminate duplicate entries, ensure that eligible voters are included, and prevent any attempts to manipulate the electoral process.
The SIR process has been ongoing since September 1, and the ECI has set a target of collecting 2.5 crore forms by the end of the exercise. The commission has also established a special portal for citizens to track their application status and report any discrepancies.
The ECI has taken several measures to ensure the transparency and credibility of the SIR process. The commission has deployed a large number of officials to assist citizens in filling out the forms and has established a helpline to address any queries or concerns.
The SIR process is not without its challenges. In some districts, reports of slow internet connectivity and technical glitches have hindered the process. Additionally, allegations of irregularities and corruption have been reported in some areas, with some citizens complaining of being charged exorbitant fees by middlemen to get their forms accepted.
Despite these challenges, the ECI remains committed to ensuring a smooth and successful SIR process. The commission has issued strict guidelines to its officials to ensure the integrity of the process and has taken measures to prevent any attempts to manipulate the electoral rolls.
The SIR process is a significant step towards ensuring the credibility of the electoral process in Bihar. The ECI’s efforts to revise the electoral rolls will help to build trust among citizens and political parties, ensuring a free and fair poll.
In conclusion, the initial phase of the SIR process in Bihar has been completed, with a massive 1,69,49,208 forms collected. The ECI’s efforts to revise the electoral rolls are a crucial step towards ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the electoral process. While challenges remain, the commission’s commitment to transparency and credibility will help to ensure a successful SIR process.
