ECI data shows over 61 lakh voters missing from Bihar’s draft electoral roll. Deadline looms with 7 lakh yet to submit forms under the SIR process.
Patna, July 24, 2025 — A startling revelation by the Election Commission of India (ECI) just a day before the July 25 deadline for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process has put Bihar’s electoral health under sharp scrutiny. As per the official data released on Thursday, over 61 lakh voters may not find their names on the State’s draft electoral roll, raising widespread concerns about disenfranchisement and voter roll accuracy ahead of crucial elections.
Massive Gaps in the Electoral List
According to the ECI’s summary, the missing voters fall under multiple categories:
- 21.6 lakh have been declared deceased
- 31.5 lakh are reported to have permanently shifted out of Bihar
- 7 lakh have allegedly enrolled in more than one location
- 1 lakh have been marked as “untraceable”
On top of that, another 7 lakh individuals are yet to submit their enumeration forms—a key step required under the SIR process. These numbers, combined, mean that more than 61 lakh electors might effectively be struck off the updated roll, either through direct removal or pending documentation.
SIR Deadline Puts Pressure on Voters and Officials
The Special Intensive Revision is part of a statewide campaign to sanitize and update electoral rolls, aimed at enhancing transparency and minimizing duplicate or invalid entries. However, with just a single day left before the deadline, officials and civil society activists fear that lakhs of genuine voters could lose their right to vote due to lack of awareness, procedural delays, or migration.
People who believe their names have been wrongly deleted or left out still have time to act. The ECI has clarified that claims and objections can be filed till September 1, offering a lifeline to those potentially disenfranchised.
Officials Urge Immediate Action
Election officials across the State have urged eligible citizens to complete their formalities before the July 25 cutoff. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been instructed to intensify door-to-door outreach in both urban and rural areas, especially focusing on districts with historically high migration rates.
“We are concerned about the high number of people yet to complete their forms,” an ECI official told local media. “Each eligible citizen deserves the right to vote, and it’s our duty to ensure that happens. But citizens must also come forward and complete the process.”
Migration and Mortality Behind Voter Reduction
One of the most significant takeaways from the data is the impact of migration and mortality on Bihar’s voter base. With more than 31 lakh people reportedly having moved out of the state permanently—either for employment, education, or family reasons—the data underscores the continued outflow of population from Bihar. Similarly, the 21.6 lakh deceased voters reflect an overdue correction in a system often criticized for retaining names long after individuals pass away.
Political Implications and Public Reactions
Political parties have taken note of the development, with some already alleging mismanagement or bias in the roll-cleaning process. Opposition parties have demanded that the process be extended or revisited to ensure no genuine voter is left out. “The integrity of the electoral roll is the bedrock of democracy. You cannot afford to make such large-scale exclusions without thorough verification,” a senior opposition leader stated.
Citizens, meanwhile, have expressed mixed reactions. Many are unaware of the SIR process or their need to participate in it. “I didn’t even know there was a deadline,” said Pramod Kumar, a daily wage worker in Gaya. “I came back to my village last week and no one informed me.”
Conclusion
The revelation that over 61 lakh voters might be excluded from Bihar’s draft electoral roll comes as a wake-up call for both the electorate and the administration. While the ECI’s effort to clean and update the list is commendable, the sheer scale of exclusions and pending formalities demands immediate and inclusive action. With the SIR deadline just hours away and the chance to submit claims open till September 1, the next few weeks will be crucial in shaping a fair and participatory election landscape in Bihar.
FAQs
- What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process?
The SIR is a periodic process by the ECI to update and clean electoral rolls, removing duplicates and outdated entries while adding new eligible voters. - How can I check if my name is on the Bihar voter list?
You can verify your voter status on the official ECI website (https://www.nvsp.in) or by contacting your local Booth Level Officer. - What should I do if my name is missing from the draft roll?
You can submit a claim or objection through Form 6 on the ECI portal or submit it to your BLO. The last date for such claims is September 1. - Why are so many voters missing from the Bihar list?
The major reasons include death, migration, duplicate registrations, and non-submission of forms during the SIR campaign. - Can political parties object to these deletions?
Yes, political parties and candidates can file objections or request verifications through designated ECI processes.
Please don’t forget to leave a review.
