Article 326 voter rights are at the center of Bihar’s latest electoral reform initiative, as the state prepares a major revision of its voter rolls ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, citing constitutional obligations under Article 326 voter rights to ensure fair and inclusive elections.
What Is Article 326 and Why It Matters to Voters
Article 326 of the Indian Constitution grants adult citizens the right to vote in elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, provided they meet eligibility criteria. This article ensures universal adult suffrage, a cornerstone of Indian democracy. According to The Times of India, the Election Commission is using this provision to justify its move to revise Bihar’s voter list to uphold Article 326 voter rights, especially amid legal and political challenges.
Election Commission’s Plan for Roll Revision
The ECI has proposed a full revision of the voter rolls in Bihar through a Special Intensive Revision (SIR), with the updated rolls expected to be finalized before the 2025 polls. This initiative aims to correct discrepancies, delete duplicate entries, and include eligible voters who may have been left out during previous updates.
How the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Works
The Special Intensive Revision involves door-to-door verification, correction of errors, and identification of missing or duplicate entries. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct field verification, and citizens will be encouraged to update their information via official portals and outreach campaigns.
This process is particularly crucial in states like Bihar where migration, urban–rural mobility, and population density can lead to inconsistent electoral records.
Challenges in Aadhaar-Based Voter Verification
One of the most debated aspects of the roll revision is the use of Aadhaar for voter identification. Critics argue that linking Aadhaar with voter IDs could infringe on privacy rights and disenfranchise certain groups. According to Hindustan Times, petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court claiming that the voter roll revision violates constitutional rights and lacks legal backing.
Despite these concerns, the ECI maintains that Aadhaar linkage is voluntary and helps eliminate fraudulent entries while supporting Article 326 voter rights by maintaining roll integrity.
Urban–Rural Gaps in Voter Data Collection
A key concern in Bihar’s voter revision process is the disparity in data collection between urban and rural areas. Rural regions often face challenges such as lack of digital access, low awareness, and fewer government outreach programs. This gap can lead to under-representation, defeating the purpose of Article 326 voter rights. The Election Commission has pledged to improve outreach and ensure equitable voter participation across all regions.
Public Reactions and Legal Opposition Raised
The move has triggered public debates and legal pushbacks. Civil rights groups and opposition leaders claim the revision is being rushed and could result in mass disenfranchisement. Several petitions were filed in the Supreme Court, urging the halting of the roll update process.
Supreme Court to Hear Petitions on July 10
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear pleas against the electoral roll revision on July 10. The verdict will have significant implications for the electoral process in Bihar, possibly setting a national precedent on voter data verification and roll maintenance.
Implications for Bihar’s 2025 Electoral Process
If the roll revision proceeds as planned, it could strengthen the transparency and inclusivity of Bihar’s 2025 elections. It will be a test of how effectively the state can balance technology, legal safeguards, and citizens’ trust in the democratic process. More importantly, it reaffirms the commitment to Article 326 voter rights, ensuring every eligible voter gets their rightful place on the electoral roll.
Stay tuned with Notifire.in for more updates on the Bihar elections and electoral reforms.
