JD(U) MP speaks on SIR: ‘Tughlaqi farman, EC doesn’t know history or geography of Bihar’
JD(U) MP Giridhari Yadav has strongly criticized the Election Commission of India’s voter revision drive in Bihar. He called it a “Tughlaqi farman”, claiming the EC lacks any real understanding of the state’s geography or history.
What Is the Special Intensive Revision?
On June 24, 2025, the Election Commission launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Its aim is to update voter lists before the next elections. Officials plan to remove duplicate and inaccurate entries while verifying eligible voters.
JD(U) MP Calls It an “Autocratic Decree”
Speaking in Parliament on July 23, Yadav didn’t hold back.
“This is a Tughlaqi farman. The Election Commission neither knows Bihar’s history nor understands its geography,” he said.
He likened the EC’s actions to the rash decisions of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, a 14th-century ruler infamous for issuing impractical orders. The MP believes this revision exercise follows the same logic.
Process Not Grounded in Reality
Yadav described how even he struggled with the process. Gathering all the required documents took him 10 days. He pointed out that his son in the US had only a month to submit paperwork.
“If I’m facing trouble, imagine the problems poor villagers are dealing with,” he said.
He also noted that this exercise clashes with the sowing season, a crucial time for farmers in Bihar. Expecting them to complete paperwork while managing fields is unrealistic, he argued.
“I Must Speak the Truth”
Although he called the statement his personal opinion, Yadav didn’t hesitate to stand by it.
“If I can’t speak the truth, why am I an MP?” he asked.
His words suggest that even lawmakers in the ruling coalition are finding fault with the EC’s timeline and approach.
Widespread Criticism Beyond the Ruling Coalition
Opposition leaders like Tejashwi Yadav have also slammed the EC’s plan. They believe the short one-month deadline risks leaving many eligible voters off the rolls.
Bihar has a large population of migrant workers, tribal communities, and farmers who may not have quick access to documents or updated information.
Supreme Court Weighs In
Earlier in July, the Supreme Court refused to stop the SIR. However, it urged the EC to allow more flexibility. It recommended that voters should be able to submit Aadhaar, voter ID, or ration cards as proof. Despite this, many still find the process confusing and rushed.
EC’s Stance and Public Pushback
The EC defends the move as necessary to maintain accurate voter rolls. Officials claim the goal is to prevent fraud and ensure fair elections.
However, critics say the EC failed to consider Bihar’s unique challenges. Large sections of the population lack access to online portals or even electricity. Local officials are overwhelmed, and many people remain unaware of the deadline.
Conclusion: The Need for Real-World Awareness
Yadav’s remarks underscore a growing concern: bureaucratic decisions must match ground realities. While updating voter rolls is important, the process should not exclude legitimate voters because of poor timing or documentation hurdles.
Calling the directive a “Tughlaqi farman” may seem harsh. Yet, it reflects real fears that people may lose their right to vote simply because they couldn’t comply with rushed rules.
For any electoral process to succeed, inclusion must come before efficiency. The Election Commission should consult local stakeholders, extend deadlines, and increase public awareness. Without those steps, the revision drive could do more harm than good.
