Two Pakistani Nationals Found On Bihar Voter List; MHA Orders Name Removal

Two Pakistani women, who entered India in 1956, have been discovered on the Bihar voter list, verified during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise ahead of the assembly elections. Their names were flagged during a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) investigation into foreign nationals overstaying their visas.

The women were identified in Bhagalpur district, and authorities have initiated steps to remove them from the electoral roll.

"I verified them during the SIR. I received a letter from the department with their passport numbers, which I cross-checked. We have been asked to remove their names. One of them is Imrana Khanam, who is elderly and unwell. Following departmental orders, I filled out the form to begin the removal process. Her passport dates back to 1956, and she obtained her visa in 1958. She is from Pakistan. The next phase of the investigation will be conducted by the department. I received a notice from the Home Ministry on 11 August," said Booth Level Officer Farzana Khanam.

Bhagalpur District Magistrate Naval Kishor Chaudhary confirmed, "As per information, her name was found on the voter list, and after verification, Form 7 has been filed for deletion. Following due process and investigation, her name will be removed."

Bihar SIR Exercise

The Election Commission is revising the voter list in Bihar to remove ineligible entries ahead of the assembly elections. The SIR exercise has faced criticism, with Opposition parties alleging selective deletion at the behest of the BJP. Several PILs challenging the SIR are currently under consideration by the Supreme Court.

Rahul Gandhi's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra'
In response, Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' across poll-bound Bihar to safeguard citizens' voting rights. He is being accompanied by RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. During the Yatra, Rahul Gandhi will cover 1,300 km and visit 23 districts.