The Election Commission has decided to initiate a special intensive revision of the voter list nationwide, which the opposition is calling a 'citizenship check.' The ECI clarified that the aim is solely to ensure the accuracy of the list. Transparency and impartiality are expected in this process, which is based on legal grounds.
ECI: In a significant and controversial decision, it has been clarified that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list will be conducted nationwide on schedule and on a broad scale. This announcement comes at a time when the opposition in Bihar is bly protesting against this process, terming it a 'citizenship check.'
Order Issued on June 24, Implementation to Begin Now
On June 24, 2025, the Election Commission issued a notification for the intensive revision of the voter list nationwide. The Commission, citing it as a constitutional duty, argued that the purity and integrity of the voter list are essential to ensure the foundation of democracy — fair and transparent elections. Now, the Commission announced on Friday that the process has been initiated and the national schedule will be released soon.
Bihar Becomes the Center of Controversy, Opposition Raises Serious Questions
In Bihar, the special revision was started on June 25 itself and will continue until July 26. The roots of the controversy begin here. Opposition parties allege that a citizenship check is being conducted in the name of this process, which is a violation of the constitution and civil rights. The opposition also says that this exercise is a 'political ploy' to remove the names of minorities, the poor, and migrant citizens from the voter list.
ECI Clarification: Checking Voting Rights, Not Citizenship
On this controversy, the Election Commission issued a statement saying that the purpose of the intensive revision is not to terminate anyone's citizenship, but to maintain the credibility of the voter list. The Commission clarified that if a name is removed from the list, it will not be considered proof of the termination of citizenship. The Commission also said that the law authorizes it to demand citizenship-related documents if there is suspicion.
ECI Raises Questions on Opposition's Protest
Amid the opposition's criticism, the Election Commission has also bly retaliated. The Commission questioned, 'Should the Commission, under political pressure, allow the names of those fake voters to remain on the list who are either dead, or have migrated permanently, or are foreign nationals?' The Commission also asked whether such names should be allowed to vote by disregarding the basic spirit of the Constitution?
Step Towards Clean Elections
According to the ECI, this revision process is an effort to strengthen the democratic system, in which real eligible voters can be empowered by removing dead, migrated, or voters with fake identities from the list. This process also includes adding new-age voters, correcting names, removing duplicate entries, and updating the data of migrants.
Decision Based on Legal Grounds
Under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, the Election Commission has full authority to prepare and revise the voter list. The Commission said that ensuring the authenticity of the voter list is mandatory for strengthening democracy, and this work is being started with the same spirit.
Common Voters Stuck Between Politics and Process
In this entire controversy, the concern of the common voter has become the most important. If the process remains transparent and time-bound, it will improve the quality of the voter list, but if there is bias or political interference in it, it can become a serious loss of trust. The Election Commission will have to take steps in this direction while maintaining sensitivity and transparency.
