With the 2025 Assembly elections approaching, Bihar faces scrutiny regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of its electoral roll. Concerns have arisen about discrepancies, including deceased individuals listed and eligible voters excluded. Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD’s CM candidate, reported his name was missing from the Election Commission’s draft voter list after completing the enumeration form. He questioned his ability to participate in the elections. JDU responded, accusing Tejashwi of misrepresentation. At a press conference in Patna, Tejashwi stated he had completed the enumeration form, but his name was absent from the electoral roll. He also claimed his EPIC number did not yield his information. The Patna district administration countered that Tejashwi’s name is registered, but his polling station and serial number had been changed. Tejashwi raised concerns about similar changes potentially affecting many others, suggesting a possible conspiracy. JDU’s chief spokesperson, Neeraj Kumar, criticized Tejashwi, labeling him a ‘political fraud’. The Election Commission immediately refuted the claim, confirming Tejashwi’s name is present in the draft electoral roll. This has escalated tensions. Bihar’s draft electoral roll went live. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Electoral Roll is a process underway in Bihar in preparation for upcoming elections. The Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar and 243 Electoral Officers will consider objections to discrepancies in the electoral roll from voters or recognized political parties from August 1st to September 1st, 2025. The objective is to ensure all eligible citizens are included in a transparent manner. The last intensive revision was performed in 2003. The ECI website allows voters to check their details.
