ECI’s SIR Mystery: Anjali Bharadwaj Questions Accountability Under BJP

In 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) began a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the state assembly elections. The process aimed to review and update the voter list. However, it soon raised questions about how the decision was made and whether the process followed the required rules.

RTI activist Anjali Bharadwaj sought information about who had decided to conduct the special revision. She wanted to understand the reasons behind the decision and the authority under which it was taken. However, the response she received from the Election Commission was unexpected. The ECI reportedly stated that it had not made the decision and did not have any further information about the matter.

This response raised concerns about the decision-making process and the level of transparency within the election system. Questions began to emerge about who had authorised the revision, why it was necessary, and what procedures had been followed before it was introduced.

The Special Intensive Revision became a subject of wider discussion because electoral rolls play an important role in democratic elections. Voter lists must be accurate, but the process of updating them must also be fair, transparent and accessible to eligible voters. Any confusion about how such a major decision was taken can lead to concerns about public accountability.

The process also raised questions about its legality and constitutionality. Critics wanted clarity on whether the Election Commission had followed the relevant laws and constitutional provisions while carrying out the revision. There were also concerns about whether eligible voters could be wrongly removed from the electoral rolls and whether all affected citizens would have a fair opportunity to verify their details and correct errors.

The issue highlighted the importance of transparency in election-related decisions. Clear information about the authority behind the revision, the reasons for conducting it and the methods used to update voter lists is essential for maintaining public trust.

As discussions over the Bihar SIR continued, the central questions remained: who took the decision to conduct the revision, what was the legal basis for it, and how could the process be made more transparent and accountable? These questions brought renewed attention to the Election Commission’s responsibilities and the need to protect every eligible citizen’s right to vote.