Bihar’s Voter List: BJP Accused of NRC Backdoor
The ongoing electoral roll revision in Bihar has ignited a fierce political firestorm, with the opposition alleging the BJP is using the Election Commission of India (ECI) as a tool to surreptitiously implement a National Register of Citizens (NRC)-like exercise.
The ECI, however, maintains the revision is a routine process, necessary to maintain accurate voter lists. The controversy centers around the demand for domicile proof, a requirement that opposition parties claim will disproportionately disenfranchise vulnerable populations.
Concerns are mounting that many, particularly the marginalized, may be excluded from the electoral process due to difficulties in providing the necessary documentation. This fear is further fueled by the late timing of the revision, a point the opposition has strongly contested.
The opposition parties have challenged the ECI’s actions in the Supreme Court, arguing that the process is flawed and politically motivated. The hearing is awaited with bated breath.
The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications not only for Bihar’s upcoming elections but also for the broader debate surrounding citizenship and electoral rights across the nation. The case sets a crucial precedent for future electoral roll revisions nationwide.
