Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced that the Election Commission (EC) has complied with a Supreme Court directive by publishing the names of 65 lakh voters excluded from Bihar’s draft electoral rolls on district magistrates’ websites. The move, completed within 56 hours of the court’s August 14 order, follows the special intensive revision (SIR) of voter lists in poll-bound Bihar, aimed at enhancing transparency amid allegations of electoral manipulation.

Speaking at a press conference, Kumar emphasized the robustness of India’s decentralized electoral system, where Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), typically SDM-level officials, and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) ensure the accuracy of electoral rolls. “The list of deleted voters, along with reasons for non-inclusion, is now publicly accessible, as mandated by the Supreme Court,” Kumar said, addressing concerns raised by opposition parties, including Congress, about alleged "vote chori."

The draft electoral roll, published on August 1, is available for public scrutiny until September 1, allowing political parties and individuals to file claims for inclusion or objections against ineligible voters. Digital and physical copies have been shared with all political parties and uploaded on the EC’s website, ensuring broad access. Kumar highlighted that this one-month period is a critical part of the transparent process to finalize the rolls before Bihar’s assembly elections.

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The CEC defended the SIR process, dismissing opposition claims of voter suppression as “misinformation.” He stressed that the EC operates under strict legal guidelines, with EROs and BLOs accountable for maintaining accurate rolls. The publication of deleted names aims to counter allegations, notably from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who claimed voter list manipulations favored the BJP in states like Maharashtra.

Kumar reiterated the EC’s commitment to fair elections, urging parties to use the claims and objections period to address concerns. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny, with the INDIA bloc’s 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar amplifying demands for electoral transparency. As the EC navigates these challenges, the public disclosure of voter deletions marks a significant step toward rebuilding trust in the electoral process.

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