Congress Seeks Debate on Voter Deletions in Bihar
Submitting the adjournment motion, Tagore alleged that the SIR has "disproportionately affected" marginalised communities
New Delhi: Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Monday moved an adjournment motion in Lok Sabha to discuss the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission of India in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections.
Submitting the adjournment motion, Tagore alleged that the SIR has "disproportionately affected" marginalised communities and warned that similar "targeted disenfranchisement may soon spread to other states like Assam and West Bengal."
"This House expresses deep concern over the mass deletion of voters flagged during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted by the Election Commission of India in Bihar, which has disproportionately affected historically marginalized communities, and warns that similar targeted disenfranchisement may soon spread to other states like Assam and West Bengal," the motion read.
Tagore claimed that more than 65 lakh voters in Bihar have been "flagged for deletion," with the highest deletion percentages in opposition-leaning and minority-populated districts such as Gopalganj (15.10%), Purnia (12.07%), Kishanganj (11.82%), Madhubani (10.44%), and Bhagalpur (10.19%).
He further alleged that poor, migrants, and minorities are being silently disenfranchised through the SIR process, as they are less likely to be notified or empowered to contest the deletions.
"Many of the affected constituencies have had narrow margins of victory in past elections. A 10-15% deletion of voters in opposition strongholds can decisively distort electoral outcomes," he added.
Tagore also said the SIR process lacks parliamentary scrutiny and public accountability, referring to allegations by former Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav, who had earlier claimed his name was missing from the new draft voter list. However, the Election Commission later clarified that his name was indeed listed.
In a post on X, Tagore reiterated his demand for a discussion, stating, "We demand a discussion on the SIR, which has resulted in the deletion of 12% of voters—primarily from INDIA alliance strongholds—in Bihar."
Meanwhile, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled to move the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha today.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will also move a resolution to amend the Second Schedule of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975.
