Title: Interview with Anjali Bhardwaj on ECI’s SIR Controversy

In 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) carried out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the state Assembly elections. The exercise was aimed at reviewing and updating the voter lists. However, the process raised several questions about how the decision was taken and whether the necessary procedures were followed.

RTI activist Anjali Bhardwaj sought details about who had decided to conduct the revision. She wanted to understand the reasons behind the decision and which authority had approved the exercise. However, the response from the Election Commission raised further questions. The ECI reportedly stated that it had not made the decision and had no additional information about it.

This response led to concerns about accountability and transparency in the decision-making process. People began asking who had authorised the revision, why it was necessary before the elections, and what rules had been followed to carry it out.

The Special Intensive Revision also brought attention to the importance of maintaining accurate voter lists. Electoral rolls help determine who is eligible to vote in an election. While updating these lists is necessary, the process must be fair and transparent to ensure that eligible citizens are not wrongly excluded.

Several concerns were raised about the legality and constitutionality of the SIR exercise. Critics questioned whether the revision followed the relevant laws and constitutional principles. There were also concerns about how voters would verify their details, correct errors and ensure that their names remained on the electoral rolls.

Transparency was another major issue. Clear information about who ordered the revision, why it was introduced and how it was carried out is important for building public confidence in the election system. Without clear answers, questions about the process can create doubts among voters and political observers.

The controversy highlighted the need for the Election Commission to provide clear explanations about major decisions related to elections. It also underlined the importance of protecting the voting rights of all eligible citizens.

The Bihar SIR exercise therefore became the subject of wider debate, with questions about its legal basis, decision-making process and transparency. The key issue was not only whether voter lists needed updating, but also whether the revision was conducted in a fair, lawful and accountable manner.