RJD, Congress Hint at Possible Boycott of Bihar Polls Over Disputed Voter Revision Exercise
In a major escalation of political tensions ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, both the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress have signaled the possibility of boycotting the upcoming polls if the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls proceeds despite serious irregularities and discrepancies that they allege compromise the democratic process.
RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav Raises Alarm
Leader of the Opposition in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, came down heavily on the Election Commission (EC) and the ruling government, alleging widespread manipulation in the voter enumeration process.
“We are keeping all options on the table, including the boycott of the Assembly elections,” Yadav told reporters in Patna. “When the time is right, we will consult with our INDIA bloc alliance partners and decide accordingly.”
The RJD leader described alarming irregularities in the conduct of Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) who, according to him, were forging voter data.
“BLOs are signing and even putting thumb impressions on behalf of voters on enumeration forms. Blank forms are being treated like scrap paper. Independent journalists who dare to expose these violations are being slapped with FIRs. And the government remains silent because the Election Commission has become a political tool of those in power,” he said.
Congress Also Keeps Boycott Option Open
The Congress, a key partner in the opposition INDIA alliance, echoed similar concerns. When asked whether the party was also considering a boycott, Krishna Allavaru, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Bihar, responded cautiously but firmly.
“We are exploring all options. From the beginning, the Congress and the INDIA alliance have maintained that this flawed and partisan voter revision process is unacceptable. And it will remain unacceptable,” Allavaru said.
Massive Deletion of Voter Names
The uproar stems from data emerging during the ongoing SIR process, which has flagged a staggering number of voter deletions and anomalies. According to the data shared by officials and political parties:
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21.6 lakh voters have been declared dead
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31.5 lakh voters have been marked as having permanently migrated
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7 lakh voters are allegedly registered in more than one location
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1 lakh voters have been labeled as untraceable
The figures relate to a voter base of 7.9 crore people in Bihar. Opposition parties argue that the deletions disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including Dalits, minorities, and the poor, raising fears of deliberate disenfranchisement.
Final Day for Voter Enumeration
Friday marks the final day for submission of enumeration forms by voters in Bihar as part of the SIR initiative. Many fear that the rushed process, coupled with reported irregularities, could distort the electoral rolls and undermine the integrity of the upcoming elections.
Rahul Gandhi Warns Partisan Officials
Adding weight to the Opposition’s concerns, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated his warning to electoral officials, cautioning them against political bias.
“Partisan conduct by election officials will not be tolerated. Actions will follow if the institutions meant to safeguard democracy instead serve partisan interests,” he said in a public statement.
