Voter list revision: Bandh Opp bid to put pressure on judiciary, says BJP
New Delhi, July 10, 2025 — A nationwide bandh, called by several Opposition parties to protest the ongoing voter list revision, has triggered sharp criticism from the BJP. The ruling party claimed the bandh was a political stunt aimed at pressuring the judiciary while courts hear cases on electoral roll disputes.
The shutdown affected parts of Bihar, West Bengal, Delhi, and a few southern states. Congress, RJD, AAP, and their allies accused the Election Commission of deleting names from the rolls without proper verification—mainly of migrants, marginalized groups, and urban poor.
The BJP, however, pushed back strongly. Party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said the protest was not about protecting democracy but about creating pressure on courts.
“This bandh is a direct attempt to influence the judiciary. The Opposition wants to discredit democratic institutions by manufacturing outrage,” Trivedi said at a press conference in Delhi.
BJP Says Bandh Is an Attempt to Undermine Judiciary
BJP leaders alleged that the bandh was timed to coincide with ongoing court hearings. They warned that public protests around legal matters could set a dangerous precedent.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal argued that if the Opposition had valid concerns, they should raise them in court instead of on the streets.
“The judiciary is capable of making fair decisions. Street politics should not interfere with legal matters,” Meghwal said.
Disruptions in Several States
The bandh disrupted daily life in many regions. In Patna, RJD supporters blocked roads and rail tracks. Schools and businesses remained shut. Protesters carried banners accusing the government of voter suppression.
Kolkata saw similar scenes. Trinamool Congress workers unofficially joined protests, even though their party did not formally support the bandh. In Delhi, AAP leaders led candle marches in working-class areas. They accused the BJP of targeting low-income voters.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal spoke at a protest in Lajpat Nagar.
“Thousands have lost their voting rights without explanation. If we allow this now, no one’s vote is safe,” he said.
Opposition Claims Targeted Voter Deletions
Congress and RJD released reports showing missing names from Dalit and tribal communities in parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. They accused the BJP of deliberately erasing names that belong to groups unlikely to vote for them.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called for an independent audit of voter deletions.
“This is not a clerical error. It’s a planned move to manipulate the electoral outcome,” Kharge claimed.
Election Commission Defends the Process
The Election Commission responded by defending its voter list revision. In a public statement, it said the process follows all legal protocols. Officials also pointed out that citizens can file correction forms through the NVSP portal or local offices.
The ECI shared recent data: around 1.8 crore new names were added, while 1.2 crore were removed due to death, duplication, or change in address.
“We are open to review and corrections. The process ensures inclusivity and transparency,” the ECI statement said.
Still, many civil rights groups questioned how accessible the system is, especially for rural or digitally disconnected citizens.
Legal Experts Express Concern
Legal experts warned that protests meant to influence court proceedings could undermine public trust in the legal system.
Advocate Prashant Kumar explained that while citizens have the right to protest, they must not use protests to interfere with judicial processes.
“The courts must remain free from public pressure. Once street politics shapes legal outcomes, it weakens the rule of law,” he said.
Political Stakes Ahead of 2026 Elections
With general elections due next year, both sides are trying to control the narrative. The BJP emphasized institutional trust, while the Opposition highlighted alleged voter suppression.
Analyst Ruchi Sharma said voter trust will play a key role in the upcoming elections.
“If voters believe the system is rigged, it could erode turnout and faith in democracy itself,” she noted.
The BJP, meanwhile, accused the Opposition of trying to distract from its internal divisions.
“They can’t agree on a PM candidate but unite for a bandh. This is not about democracy. It’s about damage control,” BJP MP Rajyavardhan Rathore said.
Conclusion
The controversy over voter list revisions has entered a critical phase. While the courts examine the legal aspects, political parties are battling it out in the streets and on TV. The judiciary, Election Commission, and public institutions now face intense scrutiny. With elections approaching, the way these issues unfold could shape the future of Indian democracy.
