Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 7: Amid rising political heat over the Election Commission’s voter list revision exercise in Bihar, senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain came out strongly against Opposition allegations, dismissing them as baseless and aimed at inciting fear among minorities.

Responding to claims that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is intended to suppress minority votes, Hussain termed the accusations “irresponsible fearmongering” and clarified that the verification is a routine, constitutionally mandated process conducted before every election.

“Those creating confusion over the voter verification process are doing a great disservice to democracy,” said Hussain. “This is not a conspiracy; it’s a standard electoral procedure. Some are deliberately spreading the false narrative that Muslim votes are being removed.”

Drawing from his experience, the BJP leader added, “I have served as MP from Bihar three times and held ministerial positions in both state and central governments. Not once has any Muslim approached me claiming their name was unfairly struck off the voter list. These are imaginary fears, manufactured by political actors who have no real issues to raise.”

The controversy emerged after the Election Commission announced a Special Intensive Revision in Bihar, intended to update electoral rolls by removing ineligible or duplicate entries and ensuring that all eligible citizens are accurately registered.

On July 3, 11 parties from the INDIA bloc met with Election Commission officials, raising concerns that over two crore voters might lose their franchise due to documentation issues. In response, the Commission clarified that documents can be submitted up to July 25, and additional opportunities will be provided during the claims and objections phase.

In a follow-up statement on July 6, the EC revealed that 77,895 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are conducting door-to-door visits, assisting citizens in submitting the required forms. The Commission reiterated that the revision’s goal is to remove invalid entries—such as those of deceased individuals, relocated voters, or duplicate registrations—and is not aimed at any religious or community group.

Hussain also took the opportunity to criticize Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his comments linking a recent crime incident in Patna to the overall law and order in Bihar.

“One unfortunate incident should not be used to defame an entire state,” he said. “Nitish Kumar has never compromised on issues of law and order. Bihar is seeing peace, development, and investor confidence. People feel safe even at night. Rahul Gandhi should apologise for his misleading remarks.”

As the revision drive continues, both the Election Commission and BJP leaders have urged all eligible voters to cooperate with officials and verify their details to ensure a clean and accurate electoral roll ahead of the upcoming elections.