Maximum Share of SIR Deletions Observed in Gopalganj and Kishanganj Areas
The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar has led to a significant number of deletions in the electoral roll, with the Gopalganj assembly seat seeing the highest percentage of deletions [3].
During the SIR exercise, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is verifying and scrubbing duplicate, deceased, or otherwise ineligible voters from the rolls. This exercise has resulted in substantial deletions, with Gopalganj leading among assembly constituencies, followed by other seats such as Kuchaikote and Motihari [3].
It is important to note that these deletions are not yet final. The ECI has emphasized that all deletions are subject to scrutiny during the claims and objections period from August 1 to September 1, 2025 [1][2]. Electors whose names were removed can present evidence to retain or reinstate their enrollment, and political parties have been engaged to assist in verification. The ECI ensures due process, requiring opportunities for hearings and written orders before any deletion is finalized [1][2].
The impact on the upcoming assembly elections could be significant. The cleanup aims to purge the electoral roll of duplicates and ineligible voters, which may alter the voter demographics and the voting strength in constituencies like Gopalganj. This could affect candidate strategies and voter outreach, as the final roll after claims disposal (expected by September 30, 2025) will definitively determine the electorate base [1][3].
Moreover, since deletions can be appealed, the lists may still change, introducing some uncertainty close to the election date. The new draft electoral roll was published on Friday, marking the start of a month-long claims and verification process.
The Supreme Court has warned against mass exclusions, saying it will step in if necessary [4]. Opposition MPs have also demonstrated against the exercise in Parliament [5]. The Supreme Court has asked the commission to consider accepting Aadhaar cards and voter IDs as supporting documents, but the initial list of 11 documents for proof did not include Aadhaar, voter ID, or ration card [6].
For those whose names were in the 2003 voter roll, no additional proof of identity was required. However, for others, there were three different requirements for proof of identity [7]. Those requirements will be crucial during the claims and objections period.
In summary, the high percentage deletion in Gopalganj is due to the electoral roll revision aimed at improving roll accuracy by removing ineligible or duplicate voters. The final impacts on the assembly elections will depend on the outcome of the claims and objections process currently underway [1][2][3]. The ECI assures due process, allowing electors to appeal their deletions and reclaim their voting rights.
- Despite the ongoing Special Intensive Revision exercise in India, the impact on upcoming elections, particularly in constituencies like Gopalganj, could significantly alter the voting strength and candidate strategies due to the deletions of duplicate and ineligible voters.
- The Supreme Court of India has warned against mass exclusions and has expressed its intention to intervene if necessary, while opposition MPs have demonstrated against the electoral roll revision in Parliament.
- In the midst of this political news, the Election Commission of India continues to ensure due process, offering opportunities for hearings, written orders, and evidence presented by electors to retain or reinstate their enrollment, following the publication of the new draft electoral roll.
