The political atmosphere in Bihar has heated up over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. While the Election Commission considers this process routine and pre-determined, the opposition coalition 'INDIA' has raised serious questions about it.
Patna: A major political controversy has erupted in Bihar regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. While the opposition parties are alleging that this process favors the ruling NDA (National Democratic Alliance), internal surveys by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) indicate that this issue is becoming a headache for the party. Many voters are unhappy with the process and are directly accusing the BJP, stating that the exercise is akin to questioning their citizenship.
Why is the BJP concerned about SIR?
According to recent reports, the BJP's tele-survey teams are facing a large amount of opposition across the state. When surveyors ask voters what they expect from the BJP, most people are directly expressing their displeasure with SIR and the BJP. Ramesh Kumar from Hajipur told a media house, "Our family has been voting here for the last 20 years, and now we are being asked for proof of our citizenship. Are we now going to be doubted?" Ramesh received a call from a BJP survey team on the telephone, but he responded with anger.
Reports from internal survey teams have increased concern
According to party sources, an officer associated with the survey said, "Of the 10 people we spoke to, at least 6-7 expressed their displeasure with the BJP regarding this process. This is not a good sign before the elections." This reaction also highlights the fact that voters feel they are being viewed with suspicion in this process. While they have been voting for years, they now feel humiliated by being asked for documents again.
What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
On June 24, 2025, the Election Commission of India initiated the SIR process in Bihar, under which door-to-door verification of approximately 8 crore voters in the state is being conducted. All citizens must confirm their names, addresses, and photographs. They also have to present documents such as proof of identity and proof of residence.
The special aspect is that those whose names were not included in the 2003 electoral rolls have to submit additional documents. This condition has become the root of the most controversy.
Why is the opposition attacking?
The opposition coalition INDIA, which includes the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, is calling this process political manipulation. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, "This is a conspiracy to remove the names of people from the electoral rolls who do not vote for the BJP." Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also questioned why the Election Commission is using the 2003 electoral rolls as the basis, given the significant changes in the country's population, migration, and social structure. The opposition suspects that this effort is being made to create favorable conditions for the BJP in Bihar.
The Election Commission has dismissed all the allegations. The commission says that this is a standard procedure aimed at making the electoral rolls more transparent and accurate. However, the matter has now reached the Supreme Court, and the court has asked the Election Commission to ensure transparency in the process. The court is also investigating whether this revision is targeting any particular class or community.
