‘Fake Voters Added To, Eligible Ones Removed From Bihar Voters’ List’
Voters brave the heat to cast their ballot. Congress leader Udit Raj claimed that voters from the Muslim community and Other Backward Classes, who don’t vote for BJP, have been removed from voters' list (Photo by Election Commission of India/Wikimedia Commons)
On Wednesday, August 6, Congress leader Udit Raj raised serious concerns regarding the integrity of the special intensive revision (SIR) drive in Bihar, labeling the voter verification process as an “eyewash” designed to benefit a specific political party. His allegations have sparked significant debate about the fairness of the electoral process in the state.
Speaking to the news agency IANS, Udit Raj made startling claims about the actions of the Election Commission of India (ECI). He alleged that “fake voters were added while genuine and eligible voters were dropped” from the newly prepared draft rolls. According to him, this manipulation is aimed at undermining the prospects of opposition parties, particularly in a politically charged environment.
Raj asserted that the recent SIR drive was a “skewed exercise” intended to create “fake supporters” for the ruling party. He pointed to what he described as a series of irregularities, including the inclusion of deceased individuals in the voters’ list while removing the names of eligible voters. “Eligible voters have been removed from the voter list and fake voters have been added, just like what happened in Maharashtra and Delhi,” he stated, drawing parallels to previous electoral controversies in other states.
The Congress leader further alleged that voters from the Muslim community and Other Backward Classes, who traditionally do not support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have been systematically removed from the voters’ list. His claims extended to the strange assertion that “dead people have been made voters, while living ones are shown as dead,” highlighting his belief that the electoral process is being manipulated to favor the ruling party.
Udit Raj did not hold back in his criticism of the Election Commission, accusing it of operating as a “unit of the BJP.” He described the voter verification drive in Bihar as “dishonest and corrupt,” suggesting that the integrity of the electoral process is at stake. His controversial statements have raised eyebrows, especially given that the ECI has claimed to have consistently worked to maintain transparency in the electoral rolls revision process.
Despite Udit Raj’s serious allegations, the Election Commission has taken steps to clarify the situation. The ECI has publicly shared details about the electoral rolls revision process, aiming to dispel any doubts regarding its integrity. The commission concluded the enumeration phase of the SIR from June 24 to July 25, during which more than 7.24 crore electors out of a total of 7.89 crore submitted their enumeration forms.
On August 1, the ECI published the draft electoral rolls and provided a one-month window for individuals and political parties to file complaints and grievances regarding any inclusion or exclusion from the draft list. This move is seen as part of the commission’s commitment to ensuring a fair electoral process, allowing for public scrutiny and feedback.
Udit Raj’s allegations come at a time when the political landscape in Bihar is particularly sensitive, with various parties vying for influence and power. His claims, while unsubstantiated by concrete evidence, reflect a growing concern among opposition leaders about the potential for electoral manipulation. As the political discourse continues, the focus remains on the integrity of the electoral process and the role of the Election Commission in safeguarding democracy.
Udit Raj’s accusations against the Election Commission and the SIR drive in Bihar have ignited a significant debate about electoral integrity. While he has raised serious concerns, the ECI’s efforts to maintain transparency and allow for public input may serve to counteract these allegations. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the impact of these claims on the political landscape in Bihar.
