Patna: Amid a political and legal uproar surrounding Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list, the Election Commission has reassured the Supreme Court that no eligible voter will be unfairly excluded.
The Commission disclosed that while the draft list published on August 1 excluded around 6.5 million names, every affected voter will have a full opportunity to appeal. Those left out will receive written orders explaining the decision and can contest the exclusion through a two-level appeal process.
The Commission revealed it received forms from 72.4 million of the 78.9 million eligible voters. Detailed data on the 6.5 million excluded voters was shared with Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of political parties as early as July 20, ahead of the draft list publication.
Efforts to include voters have involved collaboration with BLAs and voter participation. The Commission stressed it is working to ensure no eligible voter is deprived of inclusion, assisting those lacking proper documentation by coordinating with state government machinery.
Public awareness campaigns have been extensive, with advertisements in major newspapers, regular press releases, SMS notifications, and door-to-door verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). Applications from young voters turning 18 by October 1 are also being accepted proactively. Special assistance is being provided to elderly, disabled, or otherwise vulnerable voters to ensure their inclusion.
