Bihar Election Commission Strikes Off 56 Lakh Voters Ahead of Polls

With just two days remaining before the deadline for enumeration form submissions in Bihar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has disclosed a startling revelation: approximately 56 lakh voters have been struck off the electoral rolls due to various discrepancies. This figure represents an alarming 7% of the state’s total electorate of 7.9 crore as recorded on June 24, 2025.

The ECI's announcement indicates that of these 56 lakh voters, around one lakh are classified as 'untraceable'. This group may include individuals who are illegal immigrants residing in other states, particularly neighboring West Bengal, who managed to get enrolled in Bihar, possibly through corrupt practices or due to insufficient verification during the summary revision of electoral rolls. The remaining voters have been categorized as deceased, permanently migrated, or registered at multiple locations, raising concerns over the potential for bogus voting in the upcoming elections.

According to an official statement from an ECI officer, these discrepancies could undermine the integrity of the electoral process. "The presence of incorrectly included electors poses a significant risk of electoral fraud, particularly in a state as populous as Bihar," the officer stated.

Bihar’s Chief Electoral Officer, Rajesh Kumar, confirmed that the ECI has taken extensive measures to ensure that over 98% of the state's electorate has been covered in the ongoing registration process. The draft poll roll is scheduled to be published on August 1, 2025, and the ECI aims to finalize the electoral rolls by the end of the month.

Experts in electoral law and political science have weighed in on the implications of this situation. Dr. Priya Sharma, a political scientist at the University of Delhi, remarked, "The identification of such a large number of discrepancies raises critical questions about the credibility of the electoral process in Bihar. It is imperative that the ECI implements stringent measures to rectify these issues before the polls."

Moreover, Dr. Ravi Singh, a researcher at the Center for Electoral Studies, highlighted the importance of transparency in electoral roll management. "Public trust in the electoral system is paramount, and the ECI must ensure that the process is not only effective but also perceived as fair by the electorate."

As the deadline approaches, the political landscape in Bihar remains tense, with various parties gearing up for the election campaign. The opposition has raised concerns about the ECI's ability to conduct free and fair elections under these circumstances.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Bihar has a history of electoral challenges, including allegations of voter fraud and manipulation in previous elections. The ECI has been under scrutiny for its handling of electoral rolls, and this latest revelation could exacerbate calls for electoral reforms.

In conclusion, the striking off of 56 lakh voters from the rolls is a critical issue that poses significant implications for the upcoming elections in Bihar. The ECI's commitment to addressing these discrepancies will be vital in restoring confidence in the electoral process and ensuring that the democratic rights of all eligible voters are upheld. As the political environment evolves, stakeholders will need to remain vigilant and proactive to safeguard the integrity of the electoral system in Bihar.