By India Today Video

Copyright indiatoday

A significant controversy has erupted in Bihar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a process that could be implemented nationwide. Activist Yogendra Yadav compared the exercise to demonetisation, stating it improperly shifts the burden of proof onto the voter. This has raised concerns about the potential disenfranchisement of 10-15% of the poorest populations, with women and marginalized communities most at risk. Former Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat also highlighted the timing of the revision as a ‘problem area’. A central issue is the role of Aadhaar; the Supreme Court has clarified it is a proof of identity but not of citizenship, domicile, or age. Yadav noted that out of 7.24 crore people in Bihar, only 987 objections concerning foreigners on the voter list were filed, with the BJP filing none, countering narratives of widespread illegal voters.