Bihar, Aug.18,2025: Prominent political analyst and activist Yogendra Yadav sharply criticized the EC’s recent Delhi press conference as a “sham”. He accused the commission of
What Is SIR and Why It Matters
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has become a flashpoint. Conducted ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections, it aimed at correcting electoral discrepancies. However, critics argue that it risked mass voter exclusion by demanding documentation amid floods and time constraints. Political tensions have soared, with accusations of “vote theft” and democratic sabotage becoming widespread.
Yogendra Yadav Sets the Tone
Prominent political analyst and activist Yogendra Yadav sharply criticized the EC’s recent Delhi press conference as a “sham”. He accused the commission of evasive answers and failing to address core concerns raised by opposition leaders.
The 10 Unanswered Questions, Exposed
Yadav publicly shared ten pointed questions—vital to electoral fairness—that the EC sidestepped:
- Why were political parties not consulted before undertaking SIR?
- Why bypass the EC’s own rule against intensive revision during election years?
- Why rush SIR amid monsoon floods?
- How many voters were added during SIR (June–July)?
- How many forms lacked documentation?
- How many forms did Booth Level Officers (BLOs) mark as “not recommended”—and why?
- How many foreign nationals were identified in the existing voter list during SIR?
- Why was the format changed after Rahul Gandhi’s press conference?
- Why wasn’t an affidavit requested from Anurag Thakur?
- Why wasn’t the affidavit from SP scrutinized?
These questions cut to the heart of process transparency, procedural fairness, and political neutrality.
Why EC’s Silence Signals Trouble
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar defended the EC’s neutrality, asserting it treats all political parties equally. Yet, he largely declined to address many of the key issues journalists and opposition figures raised.
Opposition has decried the press conference as insufficient, calling for clear, direct answers—rather than dismissive statements.
Political Turmoil Surrounding SIR
The SIR controversy has spurred intense political mobilization:
- The “Voter Adhikar Yatra”, led by Rahul Gandhi and consisting of INDIA bloc allies, protests alleged disenfranchisement and calls for electoral justice.
- RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the EC of deleting his name from voter rolls despite valid credentials, claiming a conspiracy.
- Former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav criticized the exercise as politically timed to undermine voters.
- In state assembly, CM Nitish Kumar dismissed Tejashwi’s concerns, calling him “still a kid.”
Implications and Next Steps
Yadav’s list underscores a growing demand for electoral transparency. The next move lies with the EC—will it respond substantively or evade further? The unfolding “Voter Adhikar Yatra” carries weight across 1,300 km of Bihar, signaling mounting public pressure. Legal scrutiny and protests are expected to escalate as stakes rise.
