Bihar SIR Update: Poll Body Gets 98.2% Voter Documents, Just 0.16% Objections Raised

The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday shared an update on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, revealing that documents have been received from 98.2% of voters, with only 0.16% claims and objections filed so far. The deadline for submission of documents is September 1.

According to the EC, out of 7.24 crore electors in the draft rolls, 3.28 lakh new voters have applied for registration. Meanwhile, only 1.21 lakh individual claims and objections have been filed, alongside 10 objections raised by block-level agents of 12 recognised political parties. All claims and objections will be resolved by September 25, and the final electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on September 30.

The commission said that between June 24 and August 24, 98.2% of voters submitted their documents, averaging 1.64% per day. “With eight days left before the deadline, only 1.8% of electors remain to submit their documents,” it added.

The SIR exercise has triggered a political storm in Bihar. The Opposition has accused the Election Commission of manipulating voter rolls in favour of the BJP. The controversy led to repeated disruptions during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav have also launched a “Voter Adhikaar Yatra,” seeking to highlight alleged irregularities and mobilise public opinion on the issue.