Not just Opposition, Bihar BJP also worried, plans outreach on EC drive

In Bihar, political tensions are rising as the Election Commission (EC) carries out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. While the process aims to clean up the electoral list, it has triggered unexpected political unity. Both the Opposition and the ruling BJP are now worried that genuine voters may be removed due to unclear rules and tight deadlines.

BJP Launches Ground-Level Campaign to Safeguard Voters

Initially, the BJP remained silent during the rollout. But internal feedback forced a change. Party leaders found that confusion was widespread, especially in areas with poor and migrant populations. Voters feared exclusion due to missing documents or lack of awareness.

BJP General Secretary (Organization) Bhikhubhai Dalsania recently met 26 state leaders. He directed them to activate Booth Level Agents (BLAs) across all polling stations. Currently, the party has over 52,000 BLAs. However, nearly 21,000 booths still lack proper coverage. The party aims to bridge this gap before the end of July.

Digital Tools and Volunteers Drive Voter Assistance

The BJP isn’t relying on manpower alone. Volunteers are using mobile apps, social media, and in-person visits to reach voters. They guide people on filling forms, scanning documents, and submitting required information.

From July 19 to July 31, the party will hold feedback sessions across all constituencies. BJP national leaders, including B.L. Santhosh, are visiting key districts to monitor outreach and public sentiment.

Opposition Slams EC Over Alleged Disenfranchisement

Opposition parties—RJD, Congress, and CPI(ML)—have launched campaigns against the voter roll revision. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the EC of targeting Dalits, Muslims, and migrant laborers. He claimed the documentation process is too complex and poorly communicated.

The INDIA bloc argues that many poor families lack multiple IDs. BLOs, they allege, are creating confusion by demanding unclear or unnecessary documents. Some families say they never received any notice at all.

EC Defends the Process but Struggles with Perception

The Election Commission has denied any wrongdoing. It maintains that no genuine voter will be removed without verification. Officials stated that the drive only aims to correct entries and remove fake registrations.

The EC has set July 25 as the last date for Enumeration Form (EF) submission. From August 1 to 30, voters can upload missing documents or correct errors. A draft voter list will be published on July 30, giving citizens time to file objections.

Still, in many areas, people remain confused. With low digital literacy and minimal outreach from BLOs, the EC’s message has not reached everyone.

BJP Caught Between Support and Skepticism

The BJP finds itself in a tricky position. It supports the EC’s move to clean voter lists and identify fake entries, including those using documents from other countries. However, the party also realizes that it may lose support if voters are wrongly excluded.

Internal surveys show frustration among BJP voters, especially in urban slums and rural seats. To fix this, the party has started setting up voter help desks. It has also launched door-to-door campaigns to explain the process clearly.

A senior BJP leader admitted, “If we don’t act now, the Opposition will control the narrative. We must protect our voters.”

NDA Allies Echo Concerns Behind the Scenes

JD(U), LJP, and other NDA partners have supported the EC in public. Yet, they quietly share many of the Opposition’s concerns. They worry that tight timelines and documentation rules may push out genuine voters.

JD(U) leaders have requested extra time for document collection in rural areas. LJP has urged the EC to train BLOs better so they don’t make mistakes or spread confusion.

The EC has acknowledged these concerns. More clarifications and updated guidelines are expected soon.

Conclusion: Protecting Voter Rights Becomes a Shared Goal

Bihar rarely sees unity between the BJP and the Opposition. But the EC’s voter roll revision has created rare common ground. Every major party now wants to ensure that no real voter is left behind.

The BJP’s active outreach reflects how serious the issue has become. As deadlines approach, both voters and parties are racing against time to protect the integrity of the electoral process.