New Delhi: The Welfare Party of India has strongly criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) for initiating a fresh revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar just months ahead of the upcoming state elections. The party warns that the rushed and ill-timed process could lead to the disenfranchisement of millions of genuine voters.
Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, National General Secretary (Organization) of the Welfare Party, expressed serious concern over the sudden decision, calling it a “deceptive and suspicious move” aimed at suppressing voters’ rights.
“With elections due in November, it is practically impossible to compile and verify a list of 80 million voters within 25 days — especially when 73% of Bihar is currently facing flood-like conditions,” said Dr. Ilyas. He questioned the feasibility and fairness of such an exercise under these circumstances.
He pointed out that the verification process now rests in the hands of government officials, who are tasked with determining voter eligibility based on document checks. According to Dr. Ilyas, this compromises the principle of universal adult franchise and opens the door for large-scale exclusion of legitimate voters.
A major concern raised was about the thousands of migrant workers from Bihar who are currently living and working outside the state. These workers often return home to vote during elections. However, under the current revision process, many of them risk being removed from the voter list altogether. Estimates suggest that up to 20 million voters could be affected.
Dr. Ilyas also noted that the INDIA bloc — a coalition of 11 opposition parties — has already raised the issue with the Election Commission, labeling the move as an attack on India’s constitutional framework. He reiterated that the Welfare Party of India stands firmly with the INDIA bloc in opposing what he termed as a politically motivated action.
He cautioned the Election Commission against acting as an extension of the ruling BJP and reminded it of its constitutional responsibility to conduct free and fair elections.
“The Election Commission must remain neutral and uphold the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution, rather than serve the hidden agendas of the ruling party,” he emphasized.
