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Owaisi, Congress, TMC slam EC’s special electoral roll revision in Bihar, call It ‘backdoor NRC’

While the ECI cites urbanisation, migration, and illegal immigrants to justify the SIR, critics argue its timing and execution undermine transparency and fairness in a politically crucial state like Bihar

South First Desk

Published Jun 29, 2025 | 8:28 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 29, 2025 | 8:28 AM

Election Commission of India (ECI) (Wikimedia Commons)

Election Commission of India (ECI) (Wikimedia Commons)

Synopsis: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly objected to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, alleging it is a backdoor NRC exercise ahead of Assembly polls. In a formal representation, Owaisi warned the move could disenfranchise legitimate voters and harm electoral inclusion, urging the ECI to clarify its intent and halt potentially harmful procedures

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi has raised strong objections to the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) announcement of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, alleging that it amounts to a National Register of Citizens (NRC) being carried out through the backdoor, ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

In a formal representation to the ECI, Owaisi warned that the SIR could have a “deleterious effect” on voter inclusion and potentially disenfranchise eligible citizens. 

He particularly criticised the verification norms that require voters—depending on their year of birth—to produce documents establishing not only their own identity but also that of one or both parents.

He further objected to the rushed timelines, insufficient training for officials, and the excessive discretionary powers granted to Election Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant EROs, including the authority to report suspected foreign nationals. 

Such unchecked authority, he argued, could lead to arbitrary removals and even jeopardise livelihoods.

Citing the Supreme Court’s Lal Babu Hussein judgment (1995), Owaisi underscored that voters cannot be struck off rolls without due process and the chance to submit proof. 

He also questioned the need for the SIR, given that a Special Summary Revision had already been conducted between October 2024 and January 2025, addressing concerns such as migration, urbanisation, and the inclusion of illegal immigrants.

The AIMIM chief demanded that the ECI explain the rationale behind the fresh revision and hold an in-person hearing with Opposition parties.

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Opposition to SIR

Opposition to the SIR has also come from the Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC), which described the move as “dangerous” and “alarming for democracy.” Congress’s Empowered Action Group called the initiative a “devious and dubious idea disguised as a solution,” and warned that it could lead to politically motivated exclusions.

In its statement, the Congress questioned why the ECI had abandoned its earlier Aadhaar-based roll-cleaning proposal, floated in March 2025, in favour of the more invasive SIR process. “Why was this suddenly announced just months before the Bihar elections?” the party asked, calling the move suspicious and politically motivated.

TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee echoed the concerns, calling the SIR “an indirect NRC” and a “dangerous precedent.” 

TMC MP Sagarika Ghose criticised the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, warning it could disenfranchise lakhs of voters due to impractical documentation demands — especially requiring birth certificates of parents.

“Where will Indian voters find such records?” she asked, adding that on behalf of the Trinamool Congress, she raised these concerns at a press conference.

Both parties highlighted the burdensome documentation required from voters, particularly those born after 1 July 1987, who now must furnish birth documents of one or both parents.

The ECI has justified the SIR citing factors such as urbanisation, frequent migration, and concerns over illegal immigrants on the rolls. However, critics say the timing and manner of implementation raise serious questions about transparency and electoral fairness in one of India’s most politically significant states.

(Edited by Ananya Rao)

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