RJD Delegation Holds Talks with Chief Election Commissioner on SIR Issue

On Thursday, a five-member delegation from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) met with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, along with two other election commissioners, to raise critical concerns regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Bihar. The meeting underscored the party’s growing apprehensions about the electoral process and the transparency of voter list management under SIR, highlighting procedural and administrative issues that could potentially affect voter rights and the integrity of elections in the state.

The RJD delegation, comprising senior party leaders and election representatives, specifically questioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) about the lack of notices issued to citizens whose names were removed from the draft voter rolls during the SIR process. They sought clarification on why individuals affected by deletions were not formally informed or given an opportunity to verify and rectify their inclusion in the voter list. This issue, the delegation emphasized, is critical because it directly impacts voters’ ability to exercise their franchise and undermines confidence in the electoral process if citizens are unaware of discrepancies in the voter lists.

Another key concern raised by the delegation involved the counting of postal ballots in Bihar. They inquired why the postal ballots were not counted prior to the commencement of counting using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). According to the RJD representatives, the procedural sequence in electoral counting is significant, as it ensures accuracy and credibility of results. Counting postal ballots after or concurrently with EVM results can lead to discrepancies and raise questions regarding fairness, especially in closely contested constituencies. By bringing this matter to the attention of the CEC, the RJD sought assurance that all electoral processes, including postal ballot counting, are conducted in a transparent, timely, and methodologically sound manner.

The meeting also reflected broader concerns about administrative efficiency and adherence to procedural norms during the SIR process. The RJD highlighted that Special Intensive Revision is a comprehensive effort to update voter lists, remove duplications, and ensure the accuracy of entries. However, if notices are not sent to affected voters and procedural steps, such as postal ballot counting, are not followed rigorously, it could lead to disenfranchisement, disputes, and a perception of bias in the electoral system. The delegation emphasized that these concerns should be addressed immediately to uphold democratic integrity and maintain public confidence in Bihar’s electoral process.

By meeting the Chief Election Commissioner and other officials directly, the RJD delegation aimed to formally register these grievances and seek explanations, while also highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency in the SIR process. The meeting serves as a reflection of the active role political parties play in monitoring electoral fairness and ensuring that citizens’ rights are protected. Additionally, it underscores the Election Commission’s responsibility to maintain procedural rigor, communicate effectively with the electorate, and address queries and concerns raised by political stakeholders in a timely manner.

Overall, the RJD delegation’s engagement with the CEC brought attention to two major issues: the absence of notices to voters removed during the SIR draft roll stage and the sequencing of postal ballot counting relative to EVM counting. The meeting demonstrates the party’s commitment to electoral transparency and its proactive approach in seeking corrective measures to prevent disenfranchisement, thereby reinforcing democratic norms in Bihar. The issues raised are emblematic of the challenges faced in large-scale electoral revisions and highlight the need for careful administration and continuous oversight by the Election Commission to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.