Bihar: EC to give list of electors ‘not found’ to parties’ district unit presidents
The Election Commission (EC) in Bihar has flagged around 35.7 lakh voters as “not found” during its recent door-to-door verification. These voters did not respond or were unavailable at their registered addresses. Now, the EC has shared this list with district-level leaders of all recognized political parties.
This action is part of a Special Summary Revision (SSR), which requires every voter in Bihar to submit an enumeration form by July 25, 2025. The EC will publish the revised draft electoral roll on August 1.
Why Were These Voters Marked as ‘Not Found’?
So far, 6.99 crore out of 7.89 crore voters have submitted their forms. During home visits, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) couldn’t trace 35.7 lakh voters. These include:
- 12.55 lakh people who appear to be deceased
- 17.37 lakh who may have shifted their residence permanently
- 5.76 lakh likely registered in more than one location
Another 54 lakh voters have yet to submit their forms. If they fail to do so before the deadline, they may also face exclusion.
EC Invites Political Parties to Cross-Check
To avoid errors, the EC has begun distributing these lists to political party district heads and booth-level agents. Parties can now verify these names at the local level and raise objections, if necessary.
This move ensures that political parties take part in the verification process. It gives them a chance to safeguard genuine voters and prevent wrongful removals.
Concerns from the Opposition
Leaders from the opposition, especially the INDIA bloc, have raised red flags. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav fears that the process may target the poor, Dalits, and minorities.
He stated that many affected voters may be migrant laborers, who often cannot be present at their registered address. In close contests, removing even a small number of votes could change outcomes.
EC’s Response and Voter Support Measures
The EC has clarified that no voter will be removed without proper verification. It also announced several initiatives to help people retain their names on the voter list:
- Special help camps will run in 5,683 municipal wards
- Migrants can submit forms through the ECINet mobile app or official website
- BLOs and local officials will assist at ward offices
The EC insists this process will improve voter roll accuracy. It aims to remove duplicates and outdated entries while preserving genuine names.
Migrants: A Special Concern
Bihar sees heavy migration each year. Many residents work in other states but vote in their home districts. During verification, BLOs often cannot meet these voters in person.
To support migrants:
- The EC encourages families to submit the forms on behalf of absent members
- Migrants can update their status online
- Special camps will remain active until the deadline
Political Stakes Are High
Bihar’s political scene is tightly contested. Many constituencies have seen narrow victory margins in past elections. Any reduction in the voter base could affect electoral outcomes.
Parties are now mobilizing their ground workers to review and validate the flagged voters. With just days left, this process has become a top priority for both ruling and opposition groups.
Important Dates to Remember
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 24, 2025 | EC ordered Special Summary Revision |
| July 17, 2025 | List of “not found” voters shared with parties |
| July 25, 2025 | Last date to submit enumeration forms |
| August 1, 2025 | Draft electoral roll to be published |
Final Thoughts
The EC’s decision to involve political parties in verifying missing voters shows a push for transparency. However, the short deadline and concerns about marginal voter groups make this a sensitive issue. Both the administration and political parties must act quickly to ensure that every eligible voter is protected.
The coming week will test how well the system balances accuracy with inclusiveness in one of India’s most politically active states.
