Patna: The Election Commission has released the final electoral roll for Bihar after its Special Summary Revision, showing a sharp decline in voter numbers across several districts bordering Nepal and Bangladesh.
According to district-wise figures, the steepest reductions were recorded in Madhubani, where 266,900 names were struck off, followed by Purnia with 190,858, and Sitamarhi with 177,474. Other significant decreases were seen in Supaul (103,675), Kishanganj (104,488), and East Champaran (7,834).
The sharp fall in voter numbers in these border regions has reignited political debate, with speculation over whether the deletions relate to earlier claims about “infiltrators” being added to the rolls. While the BJP has continued to push this line, opposition parties, including the Congress, have expressed dissatisfaction with the Election Commission’s process.
The new rolls also show a decline in applications for first-time voter registration, particularly among young people in the affected districts. Officials said the work of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) was particularly intense in these areas during the revision exercise.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is scheduled to meet political parties in Patna on October 4 during a two-day visit to Bihar. The agenda includes consultations with party representatives, reviews with senior police and administrative officials, and a press conference on election preparedness. District magistrates and police chiefs are expected to present their plans, with the Commission set to issue instructions on coordination and security ahead of the polls.
