Bihar Voter List Overhaul Begins: EC Orders 'Special Intensive Revision' Citing Migration, Urbanisation, And Inclusion Of Foreigners

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a "special intensive revision" of Bihar's electoral rolls, reported The Indian Express.

Out of 7.89 crore electors, 4.96 crore who were on the rolls as of 1 January, 2003, only need to submit a new enumeration form, as per the EC order issued on 24 June.

This means the remaining 2.93 crore or about 37 per cent of the electors will have to submit documents establishing citizenship, in addition to the form, to remain on the rolls.

"Out of the existing 7,89,69,844 electors, 4.96 Crore electors, whose names are already in the last intensive revision of Electoral Roll on 01.01.2003, have to simply verify so, fill the Enumeration Form and submit it," the EC said.

Commenting on the start of the process, with booth-level officers (BLOs) going house-to-house to distribute forms to electors, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said, “History begins. Proud moment for all Indians. Election Commission was, is and will always be with the voters.”

In its statement announcing the move on June 24, the EC had cited migration and inclusion of foreigners onto the rolls as among the reasons behind the move.

“The last intensive revision for Bihar was conducted by the Commission in the year 2003. Various reasons such as rapid urbanisation, frequent migration, young citizens becoming eligible to vote, non-reporting of deaths and inclusion of the names of foreign illegal immigrants have necessitated the conduct of an intensive revision so as to ensure integrity and preparation of error-free electoral rolls. The BLOs shall be conducting house-to-house survey for verification during the process of this intensive revision,” the EC had said.

In its statement on Saturday, the EC noted, “The Constitution of India is supreme. All citizens, political parties and the Election Commission of India follow the Constitution. Article 326 specifies eligibility to become an elector. Only Indian citizens, above 18 years and ordinary resident in that constituency, are eligible.”

The EC is preparing the electoral rolls afresh, unlike usual revisions. All existing electors must submit forms by 25 July to be included in the draft rolls.