ECI Weighs Nationwide Special Revision of Electoral Rolls After Bihar Row

September 6, 2025

Bihar: Amid the political uproar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is considering extending the exercise to the entire country.

Meeting with State Election Chiefs on September 10

According to sources, the ECI has summoned all state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to Delhi on September 10 for an in-depth discussion on the proposal. The meeting will be attended by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, election commissioners, and other senior officials.

Bihar SIR Sparks Political Controversy

The SIR drive in Bihar triggered intense political debate, with opposition parties — including RJD, Congress, CPI, CPM, TMC, and SP — accusing the ECI of deleting large numbers of voters from marginalised communities. The poll panel has denied these allegations, saying the process was conducted within the commission’s mandate.

States Divided Over Expansion of SIR

With assembly elections due next year in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, the proposed nationwide SIR could intensify political clashes. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin have opposed the move, while BJP-ruled states have expressed support.

CEC Denies Bias Allegations

Last month, in his maiden press conference, CEC Gyanesh Kumar rejected claims of bias in the Bihar SIR, accusing critics of attempting to mislead voters. Without naming any party, he said: “When politics is being done by targeting the voters of India by keeping a gun on the shoulder of the Election Commission, today the Election Commission wants to make it clear that it fearlessly stands like a rock with all voters – poor, rich, elderly, women, youth, and of every religion – without any discrimination.”