Patna: Nearly three lakh people in Bihar have been served notices by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) after irregularities were found in documents submitted during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Officials said that many of the questionable entries are suspected to involve individuals from Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. Border districts including East Champaran, West Champaran, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Madhubani, Araria, and Supaul reported the maximum number of disputed cases.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is also receiving a flood of claims and objections in connection with the draft electoral roll published on August 1. According to figures, electors have filed over 1.78 lakh claims and objections so far, of which 20,702 have already been addressed within the mandated seven-day period. Political parties, too, are actively involved, with the CPI (ML) Liberation alone filing 53 objections on Wednesday, pushing the cumulative total by parties to 53.
More than 6.35 lakh new voters have applied for inclusion in the electoral rolls after turning 18, submitting Form 6 along with declarations. At the same time, nearly 65 lakh names were excluded from the draft rolls earlier this month for failing eligibility checks.
The Commission has clarified that no voter can be removed without a formal order from an ERO or AERO, preceded by proper enquiry and due opportunity to respond. Lists of deleted names and reasons for exclusion are available on state CEO and district websites, searchable through EPIC numbers. Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of political parties are also authorised to collect claims (Form 6) and objections (Form 7) on behalf of electors, but generic complaints without proper documentation will not be entertained.
The SIR in Bihar began on June 24 and is being closely monitored given the state’s sensitive border areas and political significance. Officials have advised citizens who received notices to promptly provide valid documents, such as Aadhaar, to establish their eligibility.
