CEC Gyanesh Kumar Defends Bihar Voter Roll, Unveils New Reforms

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, during a two-day visit to Patna to oversee preparations for Bihar’s upcoming Assembly elections, robustly defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state’s voter list on October 5, 2025. Addressing the media before departing for Delhi, Kumar emphasized that revising voter lists before elections is a legal requirement, countering the Opposition’s claims that the process was flawed. He clarified that post-election revisions would violate electoral laws, underscoring the necessity of the SIR, which purified Bihar’s voter rolls after 22 years.

Speaking partly in Bhojpuri, Kumar celebrated the SIR’s success, likening voter participation to the fervor of Bihar’s Chhath festival. “We congratulate India’s voters for their role in this democratic exercise. I urge all Biharis to vote with enthusiasm and ensure their voices are heard,” he said. The 243-seat Bihar Assembly election, he announced, must conclude before the current Assembly’s term ends on November 22, 2025.

To streamline voting, Kumar revealed that polling stations will now cap voter numbers at 1,200 to reduce congestion. He also introduced a significant change to the voting process: ballot papers on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will feature colored serial number fonts and candidate photos to improve identification, moving away from the traditional black-and-white format. Additionally, mobile phones will be strictly prohibited inside polling booths to maintain integrity.

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Addressing the controversial demand by state BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal to verify burqa-clad women at polling stations, Kumar reiterated that voter identification would adhere to established, time-tested protocols, ensuring fairness and transparency. On the topic of Aadhaar, he clarified its role in the voter revision process, noting, “The Aadhaar Act provides proof of identity, not citizenship,” in line with a Supreme Court directive. This distinction addresses concerns about its misuse in voter verification.

Kumar’s visit and statements highlight the Election Commission’s commitment to a fair and efficient electoral process in Bihar, despite political tensions. With the SIR completed and new voting measures in place, the stage is set for a closely watched election, as Bihar’s voters prepare to shape the state’s future.

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