Bihar Draft Voter Rolls Published Claiming Window Open Amidst Opposition Ire

The Election Commission (EC) published the draft electoral rolls for Bihar on Friday, 1 August 2025, following a month-long Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. This crucial step precedes the Bihar Assembly Election 2025, which is due later this year.

While a compiled list of voters is not yet available, individuals can check their names on the EC's website, specifically through the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Bihar. The process involves visiting https://ceoelection.bihar.gov.in/, navigating to the 'Current Updates' section, and then selecting 'Draft & Final Electoral Roll on 01.01.2025'. Users will then input details like their district, Assembly constituency, language, 'Roll Type [SIR draft roll]', 'Part No and Part Name', and a captcha to proceed.

The publication of these draft rolls inaugurates a period for "claims and objections" which will run until 1 September. During this time, voters who believe their names have been wrongfully deleted can approach authorities for a remedy. Before the SIR commenced in June, Bihar had 7.93 crore registered voters, although the current number in the newly published draft rolls remains undisclosed. However, the EC's revision exercise has drawn significant opposition, particularly regarding a "citizenship test" component. 

Opponents allege that the requirement to provide citizenship proof is ultra vires of the Constitution and may infringe upon Parliament's rights, as Article 11 empowers Parliament to regulate citizenship by law. Several Opposition party leaders, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, have protested in Parliament and urged for a special discussion, arguing the exercise is aimed at "disenfranchising voters" and has direct implications on free and fair elections.