Bihar voter list revision: RJD leader Manoj Jha asks if ECI is a ‘facilitator’ or a ‘filter’?

The controversy over the special intensive revision (SIR) process initiated by the Election Commission in Bihar has reached the Supreme Court. Responding to objections raised by the Opposition, the apex court issued several significant directions. Among them is the recommendation that documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and ration cards should be considered valid for voter verification. The court also stated that if the EC chooses not to accept these documents, it must provide a written explanation.

In an exclusive interview with Newslaundry, RJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha delves into the court’s directions, the EC’s process, and its wider social and political impact.

Jha is one of the main petitioners in the case filed in the Supreme Court. He has called the Commission’s process opaque and lacking in consultation. He expressed concern that this process could result in large numbers of voters being excluded from the rolls, especially those with limited identity documents. Jha pointed out that in a state like Bihar, where there are large numbers of migrant workers and undocumented citizens, this process could lead to social exclusion.

In the conversation, Jha also highlighted several other issues, such as the validity of documents, the lack of sufficient timelines, lack of transparency in the selection of volunteers, and the relevance of the questions raised by the Supreme Court. He further argued that an institution like the EC should act as a “facilitator,” not a “filter.”

This interview also covers the upcoming assembly elections and Bihar’s current political situation, particularly the role of constituent parties in the ruling alliance and the possibility of Asaduddin Owaisi’s party AIMIM joining the INDIA bloc. Additionally, Jha spoke at length about the state’s law-and-order situation, allegations of ‘jungle raj,’ and procedural complaints related to postal ballots in the 2020 assembly elections.

The Supreme Court will hold its next hearing on this matter on July 28. Until then, this conversation clarifies several important questions: Is this process fair and inclusive? Could it impact the foundations of Indian democracy? And can the EC’s credibility withstand the shifting political landscape?

Watch the full conversation with Manoj Jha.