The Election Commission of India has taken a firm stance regarding requests for meetings over the ongoing intensive review of Bihar’s voter list. In a key decision, the EC has clarified that it will entertain such requests only from the official heads of political parties, rejecting any appeals made by unauthorized individuals claiming to represent parties.
According to election officials, several individuals claiming to represent political parties have been seeking appointments with the Commission to discuss the special summary revision of Bihar’s electoral roll. However, the EC has now declared that it will not meet any unverified representatives and will only engage directly with party presidents or officially authorized leaders.
Opposition Voices Concern Over Review Process
Opposition parties have raised concerns that the current revision process could potentially disenfranchise eligible voters. They argue that this might be an attempt by the ruling BJP to misuse state machinery for electoral gain. Opposition leaders believe the review could lead to politically motivated changes in the voter database.
Congress Requested Urgent Meeting
On June 30, following the EC’s announcement of the review, a legal representative of the Congress party sent an email requesting an urgent meeting with the Commission on July 2. The Congress claimed the request was made on behalf of several opposition alliance members. However, EC sources revealed that only two parties—CPI (ML) Liberation and CPI (M)—have formally confirmed participation in the meeting so far.
Controversy Over Voter List Revision
The controversy revolves around the Election Commission’s ongoing voter list revision exercise in Bihar. The Congress and other opposition parties have expressed objections and suspicion over the process, stating that they wish to convey their concerns to the EC in person. However, with the Commission now restricting such interactions to party heads only, many of those seeking meetings are likely to be turned away.
