Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
An Interactive Analysis of the 2025 Electoral Roll Update
This interactive report analyzes the outcomes and controversies surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The process, aimed at updating and correcting the voter list ahead of the state assembly elections, has resulted in significant changes and sparked a heated political and legal debate. Explore the data below to understand the key figures, the reasons for the changes, and the different perspectives on this critical issue.
6.5 Million
Names Removed from Draft Roll
72.4 Million
New Total Registered Voters
6.3%
Reduction in Total Electorate
Breakdown of Voter Deletions
The 6.5 million deletions from the draft electoral roll are officially attributed to three main categories. Hover over the chart sections to see the specific numbers for each reason.
The Core of the Controversy
The SIR process has created two sharply contrasting narratives. The Election Commission of India (ECI) presents it as a standard procedure to ensure accuracy, while opposition parties allege it is a deliberate act of voter suppression. Click the tabs below to explore each viewpoint.
Ensuring Electoral Integrity
The Election Commission of India (ECI) defends the SIR as a crucial and routine exercise to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the electoral rolls. The primary goal is to uphold the "one person, one vote" principle by removing ineligible voters. Officials state the process was transparent, involving extensive house-to-house surveys, and that the published list is only a draft. They emphasize that the "claims and objections" period, open until September 1, 2025, provides a robust mechanism for any genuinely eligible voter who was wrongfully removed to be reinstated.
A "Conspiracy" of Mass Suppression
Opposition parties, including the INDIA Bloc, have fiercely condemned the SIR as a politically motivated "conspiracy" to disenfranchise voters. They allege the process unfairly targets marginalized groups like migrant workers and minorities who often lack extensive documentation, effectively acting as a "citizenship test by stealth." Leaders claim this is a deliberate attempt by the ruling party to reduce the opposition's vote bank ahead of the assembly elections and have vowed to continue protests until the "mass exclusion" is reversed.
Deeper Context and Broader Criticisms
The scale and methodology of the Special Intensive Revision in Bihar are widely considered exceptional when compared to recent electoral roll updates in other Indian states. The table below highlights the key differences in the process, which critics point to as evidence of a unique and controversial approach.
| State | Voters Deleted | % of Electorate | Timeframe | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Bihar** | 6.5 million | 6.3% | 1 month (2025 SIR) | Mass enumeration, strict document checks |
| West Bengal | ~1–1.5 million | 1–2% | Over 1 year | Gradual, regular revisions |
| Assam | <1 million | <2% | Annual summary | NRC is a separate process |
| Delhi | ~0.25 million | ~1% | Annual summary | No mass re-verification |
The core differences in **process**, **timing**, and **documentation** requirements make Bihar a clear outlier. No other state has mandated a full re-enumeration of its entire electorate with such strict conditions in a compressed timeframe, leading to an unprecedented level of deletion and public outcry.
This section provides a summary of the opposition's wider concerns about electoral integrity in India, which form the backdrop for the current debate on the Bihar SIR. These criticisms extend beyond voter lists to include allegations of institutional bias, technological issues, and a lack of transparency in the overall election process.
- **EVM & VVPAT Issues:** Opposition parties continue to demand a full verification of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips against Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) results, arguing that incomplete verification compromises election legitimacy.
- **Institutional Bias:** The opposition alleges that the Election Commission has demonstrated a partisan bias in favor of the ruling party, calling for increased transparency and an overhaul of electoral practices.
- **Discrepancies in Turnout:** Concerns have been raised about discrepancies between the number of votes cast and votes counted, as well as alleged unlawful deletions and additions of names to voter lists.
- **Model Code of Conduct (MCC) Violations:** There are frequent complaints that violations of the MCC by certain parties go unpunished, further eroding trust in the fairness of the electoral process.
The Bihar SIR is being debated within a broader context of potential electoral roll manipulation techniques. This section explains the common methods that have been reported or alleged over time, which critics claim are being applied in the current revision.
- **Mass Deletions:** The large-scale removal of voters, justified by administrative reasons like death or migration, is criticized as a way to disenfranchise specific demographics.
- **Targeting "D-Voters":** The practice of marking voters from certain communities as "Doubtful Voters" (D-voters) can be used to effectively remove them from the rolls until a lengthy investigation is resolved.
- **Adding "Ghost Voters":** The insertion of fictitious names or duplicate entries during large-scale revisions is a reported technique for manipulating the vote count.
- **Strategic Objections:** Political operatives may file mass objections against voters in rival strongholds, using the formal claims and objections process to create administrative hurdles.
Legal Scrutiny and Supreme Court's Stance
The SIR process is currently under review by the Supreme Court following petitions challenging its legality and implementation. While the court allowed the publication of the draft roll, it issued a stern warning that the exercise must lead to **"en masse inclusion, not en masse exclusion."**
The justices have emphasized that the process should be about ensuring every eligible citizen can vote and have advised the ECI to be flexible with documentation, such as accepting Aadhaar and voter ID cards. The final verdict from the court, with the next hearing scheduled for August 12-13, will be critical in determining the future of this process and its potential application nationwide.
