New Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has defended the Election Commission’s decision to deploy Anganwadi workers for verifying the identity of burqa-clad women voters in Bihar. The move, introduced during the Lok Sabha elections, triggered criticism for allegedly targeting Muslim women and creating an atmosphere of distrust at polling booths.
Kumar stated that the procedure followed existing Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines. He said the verification was not discriminatory and was aimed at ensuring transparent and fair polling. The CEC explained that identity checks are required when a voter’s face is covered and that only female staff are assigned this duty to maintain privacy and dignity.
According to ECI rules, women polling personnel are authorized to confirm the identity of women wearing veils or burqas. The CEC said the use of Anganwadi workers was procedural, not communal, and was meant to support the conduct of free elections.
Civil rights groups, however, raised concerns that the practice singled out Muslim women and might discourage them from voting. Opposition parties demanded clarity on why non-election staff were used in verification and urged safeguards to prevent profiling of any community.
The debate highlights growing tensions between administrative procedures and public trust. As the Election Commission faces calls for review, the incident underscores the need to balance electoral integrity with the dignity and rights of all citizens.
