Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 6: Senior Congress leader Udit Raj has sparked controversy by alleging large-scale manipulation in Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, calling the entire voter verification process a "sham" designed to favor the ruling BJP.
Speaking to IANS on Wednesday, Raj claimed that the SIR drive was riddled with irregularities — accusing the Election Commission of adding fake voters while removing genuine ones, particularly from communities less likely to support the BJP. However, he did not provide concrete evidence to back his allegations.
“The names of eligible voters, especially from the Muslim and Other Backward Class (OBC) communities, are being systematically deleted,” Raj said. “At the same time, names of deceased individuals have been added — as seen earlier in states like Maharashtra and Delhi.”
He went further, asserting that the poll panel is functioning like “a unit of the BJP,” and described the ongoing revision in Bihar as dishonest, biased, and corrupt.
The Election Commission of India (ECI), however, has already issued detailed public clarifications regarding the SIR process. The enumeration phase was conducted between June 24 and July 25, during which over 7.24 crore out of Bihar’s 7.89 crore electors submitted their details. The draft electoral rolls were published on August 1, and a month-long window has been provided for objections and corrections.
Despite these procedural safeguards, Raj insisted that the revision process was orchestrated to create an artificial advantage for the ruling party by disenfranchising legitimate voters.
His remarks have drawn criticism for lacking evidence and for undermining public trust in the electoral process. The ECI has not yet responded directly to his claims, but officials maintain that the ongoing revision follows standard procedures and is open to public scrutiny.
Raj’s accusations add a politically charged dimension to the routine voter roll update, signaling further tension ahead of upcoming electoral battles in the state.