ON JUNE 24, THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA announced a Special Intensive Revision (‘SIR’) of the Electoral Roll (‘ER’) in Bihar, just months ahead of the State Assembly elections. While such revisions are standard electoral procedures, the conditions attached to this one, particularly the requirement to prove citizenship for those not listed in the 2003 voter roll, have triggered anxiety and confusion among millions of voters.
The Notification as issued by the EC is to incorporate the names of all eligible citizens in the electoral roll; ensure that no ineligible voter is included in the electoral roll; and to introduce complete transparency in the process. The purported function of the SIR, therefore, seems to facilitate smooth and fair elections in Bihar.
When the election is just around the corner (November 2025), should the EC undertake the task? Is it possible to conduct the SIR within a short period of one month (till July 25)? Would the small window of one month give a fair opportunity to the population (a substantial portion of which migrates to other states for work and where the records of death and birth are deeply skewed)? Does the EC have enough cadres to translate the promise with utmost efficiency? All these questions have been addressed by the EC. The response has been deeply contested by the reports coming from the ground, as the exercise continues.
