Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Aug 4: The release of the first draft list under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ignited a major political row in Bihar, with the Congress alleging the arbitrary deletion of nearly 65 lakh voter names from the electoral roll.

At a joint press conference on Monday, Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram, former state chief Madan Mohan Jha, and senior leader Praveen Jha questioned the transparency and legality of the revision exercise.

“The removal of such a large number of voters without public disclosure raises serious questions about the Election Commission’s impartiality,” Rajesh Ram said, accusing the EC of failing to share data or offer any explanation for the deletions.

The party alleged that entire booths in areas like Nalanda saw multiple voters declared ‘dead’ and removed, even though they were very much alive — an act Praveen Jha called “gross negligence or targeted action.”

Congress leaders expressed concern that the move could be a deliberate attempt to weaken the Opposition’s vote bank ahead of upcoming elections.

They also flagged the EC’s pre-emptive estimate that 20% of names would be deleted, questioning how such a figure was established even before the process began.

“Was this predetermined? If so, based on what data?” Rajesh Ram asked.

The party further criticized the lack of public access to the deleted voter list, arguing it erodes public confidence in the democratic process.

Asked about the alleged double EPIC (voter ID) controversy involving RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, the Congress declined to comment in detail, saying the matter would be addressed by Yadav himself. However, they maintained that the larger issue was the “flawed and politically skewed” SIR process.

Madan Mohan Jha demanded greater scrutiny, transparency, and public dialogue, questioning why the EC had not consulted civil society groups or political parties.

He also accused the EC of disregarding the Supreme Court’s recommendations regarding Aadhaar verification in the voter roll clean-up, calling it a “violation of judicial advice and public trust.”

As the controversy grows, Congress has warned that unless addressed transparently, the issue could become a constitutional flashpoint in a crucial election year.