Bihar voter list row: Why EC’s special revision is facing political heat - explained

The Election Commission's (EC) decision to conduct a special revision of Bihar's electoral rolls has sparked significant political debate. At the heart of this controversy is the EC's initiative to address concerns regarding illegal immigrants from neighboring countries such as Nepal being on the voter lists. This move is intended to ensure the integrity of the voting process by verifying the eligibility of voters and removing any ineligible names from the rolls. Political parties in Bihar have reacted strongly to this special revision, with some viewing it as a politically motivated maneuver. Critics argue that the timing of the revision, ahead of upcoming elections, could influence voter demographics in key constituencies. They are concerned that the process might disproportionately affect certain communities, potentially leading to disenfranchisement and impacting election outcomes. Amidst the political heat, the EC maintains that the revision is a routine exercise aimed at maintaining accurate and up-to-date electoral rolls. The commission has assured that the process will be transparent, with ample opportunity for citizens to contest any discrepancies. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Bihar, where the balance between electoral integrity and political implications continues to be a topic of intense scrutiny.

— Authored by Next24 Live