Congress alleges mass deletion of 23 lakh women voters in Bihar’s SIR update, demands EC probe

A major political controversy has erupted in Bihar after the Congress party alleged that over 23 lakh women voters have been removed from the electoral rolls during the recent Special Summary Revision (SIR) conducted by the Election Commission. The party claims that the deletions disproportionately affect female voters across rural districts and may be part of a larger pattern of disenfranchisement ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.

Addressing a press conference in Patna on October 5, 2025, Bihar Congress chief Akhilesh Prasad Singh said, “This is not a clerical error. This is a systematic exclusion of women voters. We demand an immediate investigation by the Election Commission and restoration of every legitimate voter’s name.” He added that the party is preparing to file a formal complaint and may approach the Supreme Court if corrective action is not taken.

The Special Summary Revision, which concluded in September, was aimed at updating the electoral rolls by removing deceased, duplicate, and shifted voters. However, Congress leaders allege that the process lacked transparency and disproportionately targeted women, especially in Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.

Bihar Voter Roll Update – Alleged Deletion Summary

Congress leaders say they discovered the discrepancy while cross-verifying booth-level data with local party workers and voter outreach teams. “In some booths, over 60% of women voters have vanished from the rolls. This is not just alarming—it’s unconstitutional,” said Congress MLA Shakeel Ahmad Khan.

The party has demanded that the Election Commission publish a gender-wise breakdown of deletions and initiate a re-verification drive in affected districts. It has also called for a halt to any further electoral roll updates until the issue is resolved.

Congress Demands – Electoral Roll Restoration Measures

The Election Commission has not issued a formal response to the allegations but sources within the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Bihar said that the deletions were based on field verification and Aadhaar linkage. “We followed standard protocols. If any errors are found, they will be corrected,” said a senior official.

Political analysts say the issue could become a flashpoint in the run-up to the Bihar elections, especially with women voters playing a decisive role in recent polls. In the 2020 Assembly elections, women voter turnout was 4.5% higher than men, with over 59% female participation.

Bihar Voter Turnout – Gender Trends in Recent Elections

Congress leaders argue that the alleged deletions could tilt the electoral balance in favor of ruling parties. “Women voters have been the backbone of change in Bihar. Removing them from the rolls is a direct attack on democracy,” said Congress spokesperson Asit Nath Tiwari.

The party has also launched a state-wide campaign titled “Vote Wapas Lao” (Bring Back the Vote), urging women to check their voter status and report discrepancies. Booth-level volunteers are being trained to assist citizens in filing Form 6 for voter re-registration.

Congress Campaign – ‘Vote Wapas Lao’ Initiative

Opposition parties including RJD and CPI(ML) have backed the Congress demand, calling the alleged deletions “electoral sabotage.” RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, “We will not allow the disenfranchisement of our sisters and mothers. This is a fight for justice.”

Social media platforms have seen a surge in posts under hashtags like #BiharVoterPurge, #WomenVotersRemoved, and #VoteWapasLao, with citizens sharing screenshots of missing voter IDs and booth-level anomalies.

Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Voter Deletion Allegations

In conclusion, the Congress party’s claim that 23 lakh women voters have been removed from Bihar’s electoral rolls has triggered a political and constitutional storm. As the Election Commission faces mounting pressure to clarify and rectify the issue, the controversy is likely to shape the narrative of the 2025 Assembly elections. With women voters emerging as a decisive force, their exclusion—if proven—could redefine the contours of electoral justice in Bihar.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available political statements, verified voter data, and media reports. It does not constitute legal advice or political endorsement. Readers are advised to follow updates from the Election Commission of India and Bihar CEO for accurate information.