INDIA Bloc Accuses Poll Body of ‘Votebandi’ Over Electoral Roll Revision in Bihar

A fresh political storm is brewing in Bihar as the opposition INDIA Bloc has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of “votebandi”—a term likening the situation to “notebandi” or demonetization—over the ongoing revision of the electoral rolls in the state. The controversy has sparked a heated exchange between the opposition alliance and the poll body, with both sides trading allegations and assurances as Bihar gears up for crucial elections.

INDIA Bloc Raises Red Flag

The INDIA Bloc, a coalition of opposition parties including the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and others, has alleged that the ECI’s recent decision to revise the electoral rolls in Bihar is a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise voters from certain communities. The bloc claims that the timing and methodology of the revision process are “questionable” and could lead to the exclusion of lakhs of eligible voters, especially from marginalized sections.

Addressing a press conference in Patna, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, “This is votebandi. Just as notebandi snatched people’s money, this move will snatch people’s votes. We will not allow the systematic deletion of names from the voter list.” He further claimed that the revision process lacks transparency and is being conducted without adequate public awareness or participation.

Allegations of Targeted Exclusion

Opposition leaders have pointed to reports from several districts where voters allegedly found their names missing during recent verification drives. The INDIA Bloc has submitted a memorandum to the ECI, demanding a halt to the revision process until a comprehensive review and public consultation are conducted.

Congress spokesperson Shakeel Ahmad Khan remarked, “The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy. Any attempt to tamper with the electoral roll, especially in an election year, raises serious concerns about the fairness of the process.”

Election Commission Responds

The Election Commission has firmly rejected the allegations of bias or malpractice. In an official statement, the ECI clarified that the revision of electoral rolls is a routine exercise carried out across all states to ensure accuracy and remove duplicate or ineligible entries. The poll body emphasized that the process is transparent, with ample opportunity for public scrutiny and objections.

Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar, H.R. Srinivas, stated, “No eligible voter will be left out. The revision is being done as per established guidelines, and anyone whose name is missing can submit a claim or objection. We urge all political parties to cooperate and help create awareness among voters.”

Political Fallout and Public Reaction

The row has quickly escalated into a major political issue in Bihar, with protests and rallies being organized by the INDIA Bloc across several districts. Social media is abuzz with the hashtag #Votebandi, as activists and citizens share their experiences and concerns about the revision process.

Political analysts say the controversy could impact voter sentiment ahead of the upcoming Assembly bypolls and the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. “Electoral roll revision is always a sensitive issue, especially in states with a history of close contests and allegations of voter suppression,” said political commentator Prabhat Jha.

Calls for Transparency and Oversight

Civil society groups and election watchdogs have called for greater transparency and independent oversight of the revision process. The Bihar Election Watch, an NGO, has urged the ECI to publish detailed data on additions and deletions to the rolls and to deploy neutral observers in sensitive districts.

Conclusion

As the standoff between the INDIA Bloc and the Election Commission intensifies, the spotlight remains on the integrity of the electoral process in Bihar. Both sides have called for vigilance, but the ultimate test will be whether every eligible citizen gets their rightful say at the ballot box.