New Delhi: With just four days left before the claims and objections window closes, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday said it has received 1.95 lakh applications from voters in Bihar for inclusion or deletion of names in the draft electoral rolls, but only 82 objections from political parties.
Of the 1,95,802 applications from individual voters, 24,991 have already been disposed of by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). The claims and objections period, which began on August 1, will remain active until September 1.
CPI(ML) and RJD Lead in Filing Objections
The ECI noted that only the CPI(ML) Liberation and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have filed objections so far, submitting a total of 82 complaints related to the draft rolls. The CPI(ML) has lodged 79 objections linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar, while the RJD has filed three.
Despite repeated appeals, other political parties have not actively participated in the revision process, the Commission said.
New Young Voters Enrolling
Since August 1, 8,51,788 new electors who turned 18 after the launch of the SIR have applied for inclusion in the rolls. Of these, 37,050 forms have already been processed by election officials.
As per rules, claims and objections are to be decided by the concerned ERO or Assistant ERO only after the expiry of the notice period, verification of eligibility, and — in case of deletions — a speaking order following an enquiry and fair hearing.
Transparency in Draft Roll Process
The ECI stated that the list of names not included in the Draft Electoral Roll dated August 1, along with reasons, is displayed on the district-wise DEO/DM websites as well as the CEO website in searchable mode using the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number. Aggrieved persons may file claims with a copy of their Aadhaar Card.
SIR Process and Political Participation
The SIR in Bihar began on June 24, based on enumeration forms collected during field-level enquiries by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of political parties. The draft rolls were published on August 1 and shared with all 12 recognised political parties in the state.
The ECI underlined that a month-long opportunity has been provided to individuals, parties, and their 1.6 lakh BLAs to flag errors. Of these, the RJD has deputed 47,506 BLAs, the Congress 17,549, and the Left parties over 2,000 — together accounting for more than 67,000 representatives.