Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD Challenges Bihar Electoral Roll Revision in Supreme Court

RJD Moves Supreme Court Against EC’s Bihar Voter Roll Revision; Opposition Cries Foul.

Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) move to carry out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar—just months ahead of the crucial state assembly elections.

RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha filed the petition on behalf of the party, questioning the timing and intent behind the EC’s decision. The revision exercise, which began after an official order issued on June 24, aims to verify and update records for over eight crore voters by July 25.

The Election Commission, however, maintains there is “no change” in its standard operating procedure and has insisted that the process is being conducted smoothly at the ground level, in line with its mandate to ensure accuracy in electoral rolls.

Opposition Questions Timing, Fairness
RJD and other opposition parties allege that the revision is selectively targeting Bihar, noting that the last such countrywide exercise took place in 2003. Tejashwi Yadav has openly questioned why the revision is being implemented only in Bihar this time, raising concerns about possible voter suppression.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge echoed those fears, calling the move a “conspiracy by BJP-RSS” aimed at disenfranchising Dalits and other marginalized communities.

EC Defends Move; Bihar CEO Issues Clarification
Amid mounting criticism, Bihar’s Chief Electoral Officer took to social media platform X to clarify that the SIR process is being conducted in accordance with ECI’s June 24 order.

“The draft electoral rolls to be issued on August 1 will include all existing voters who have submitted enumeration forms. Additional documentation can still be submitted even after that,” the CEO stated.

Moitra Joins Legal Battle, Warns Bengal Could Be Next
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra also challenged the EC’s move in the Supreme Court, alleging that the voter roll revision was designed to exclude young, eligible voters from the upcoming Bihar polls. She warned that West Bengal, which goes to the polls in 2026, could be the next target.

“They are starting with Bihar to test the waters. Next, it will be Bengal. We will not allow this to go unchallenged,” Moitra said, adding that multiple opposition leaders have now urged the top court to intervene.

What’s Next?
With the Supreme Court now involved and the EC standing firm, the issue has become a flashpoint in the run-up to the Bihar elections. The verdict could have far-reaching implications not just for Bihar, but for how electoral roll revisions are conducted in politically sensitive states going forward.