Left Out Voters Can File Claims Using Aadhaar, Says Bihar Election Commission

Days after the Supreme Court's order, Bihar Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday announced that voters who were excluded from the draft list can file claims using their Aadhaar cards.

Bihar's Chief Electoral Officer, Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, issued a notification stating: “…All such voters, who are not included in the draft list, can get information about their entry in this list along with the reason through their EPIC number. The list related to such voters who are not included in the draft list published on 01.08.2025 has also been displayed at all block offices, panchayat offices, municipal bodies offices and polling stations, through which such voters can get information and information related to their entry along with the reason. Dissatisfied persons can submit their claim with a copy of their Aadhar card.”

Voters can check their status and reasons for exclusion through their EPIC number at local offices and polling stations.

Concerns Over Voter Deletions

The Bihar CEO recently revealed that 65 lakh names were removed from the draft electoral rolls during the first phase of a special intensive revision (SIR). This action followed the Supreme Court's order to disclose details of those deleted and the reasons behind it. Opposition parties and activists have expressed concerns about potential wrongful deletions.

Details of Deleted Voters

Among the 65 lakh names removed, 36 lakh were marked as having permanently relocated, while 22 lakh were listed as deceased. However, there are claims that some individuals declared dead are actually alive. The total number of voters in Bihar is 7.89 crore, with 7.24 crore initially enrolled in the draft.