Bihar SIR: ECI reports 99,656 voter applications, 9 party objections
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New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday said that with just nine days remaining before the claims and objections window closes, it has so far received 99,656 applications from voters in Bihar seeking inclusion or deletion of names in the draft electoral rolls, but only nine objections from political parties.
Of the applications filed by individual voters, 7,367 have already been disposed of by the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). The claims and objections period, which began on August 1, will remain open until September 1.
The Commission noted that the CPI(ML) Liberation is the only political party to have submitted objections so far, filing nine complaints related to the draft rolls. It added that despite repeated appeals, political parties have not actively engaged in the revision exercise.
Since August 1, as many as 2,83,042 new electors who turned 18 after the launch of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) have applied for inclusion in the rolls. The ECI emphasised that a month-long opportunity has been given to individuals, political parties, and their 1.6 lakh booth-level agents (BLAs) to point out errors.
Among political parties, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has deputed 47,506 BLAs, the Congress 17,549, and the Left parties over 2,000, together accounting for more than 67,000 representatives.
As per rules, claims and objections can only be disposed of after the expiry of a seven-day notice period and verification of eligibility by the concerned ERO or AERO. No name from the draft rolls published on August 1 can be deleted without a formal “speaking order” following an enquiry and after giving the elector a fair opportunity.
The Commission informed that the list of names not included in the draft rolls, along with reasons, has been displayed on the websites of District Election Officers (DEOs), District Magistrates (DMs), and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in searchable mode using EPIC numbers. Aggrieved persons may file claims with supporting documents, including a copy of their Aadhaar card.
Reiterating that error-free electoral rolls are the foundation of a robust democracy, the Commission said electoral rolls for every polling station are prepared strictly in accordance with the law.
The Special Intensive Revision in Bihar began on June 24, based on enumeration forms collected during field-level enquiries by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and BLAs of political parties. The draft rolls were published on August 1 and shared with all 12 recognised political parties in the state.
The ECI has advised all eligible electors who have been left out of the rolls to file claims in Form 6 with Aadhaar by September 1. Similarly, objections against ineligible entries may be filed in Form 7. Even non-electors of a constituency may file objections, provided they submit the required declaration or oath as per rules.
With IANS inputs