EC begins special voter list revision in Bihar, to scrutinise nearly 3 crore voters

 Out of nearly 7.9 crore voters in Bihar, 4.96 crore on the rolls since 2003 need only to verify their details, while those added later face detailed scrutiny

PTI, 28.06.25 : The Election Commission on Saturday said the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar has begun and reminded of a constitutional provision that says only Indian citizens can vote.

In a statement, the EC said, "The Constitution of India is supreme. All citizens, political parties and the Election Commission of India follow the Constitution." The statement comes as opposition parties questioned the intent behind the intensive revision.

The poll authority reminded that Article 326 specifies eligibility to become an elector -- only Indian citizens, above 18 years and ordinary resident in that constituency are eligible to be on voters list.

Several opposition parties have said that the exercise carries the risk of willful exclusion of voters using the state machinery.

The poll authority is carrying out an intensive review of electoral rolls this year in six states beginning with Bihar to weed out foreign illegal migrants by checking their place of birth.

Bihar is going to polls this year while assembly polls in these five other states -- Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal -- are scheduled in 2026.