EC Officials Question Rahul Gandhi Over Silence on Bihar Draft Voter Roll.
New Delhi:
Officials of the Election Commission (EC) have raised questions over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s apparent delay in raising objections or concerns regarding the recently published draft voter list for Bihar. The move comes amid a conspicuous silence from all political parties, including the Congress, following the publication of the draft rolls on August 1.
According to sources within the poll panel, despite routine procedures inviting parties and stakeholders to submit claims or objections on the voter list, no political outfit has yet approached the EC with any formal request for inclusion or removal of names. This inaction has prompted officials to take a subtle jab at Gandhi, suggesting that he may be reserving his objections until after the elections.
“It seems Rahul Gandhi will file his claims and objections only after the elections instead of doing so now when the process is open,” a senior EC source said, alluding to past instances where political leaders have raised concerns over the integrity of electoral rolls after voting has concluded.
The Election Commission had released the draft voter rolls for Bihar on August 1, initiating the standard period for public scrutiny, during which political parties, civil society organisations, and individual voters can highlight discrepancies or submit necessary corrections.
Despite this, no submissions have been received by the EC so far — an unusual trend, especially in a politically sensitive state like Bihar where voter roll controversies have historically sparked debates and allegations.
EC officials emphasised the importance of timely participation in the electoral process and urged all stakeholders to make use of the window provided for corrections. “This is a participatory process, and political parties have a responsibility to engage during the draft roll phase rather than criticise the outcomes later,” the source added.
While the Congress party has yet to issue a formal response to the EC’s remarks, the issue has already started stirring political conversations, especially with Bihar’s next assembly elections on the horizon.
The current episode underscores the critical role of vigilance and proactive engagement in maintaining the integrity of electoral rolls — a foundation of free and fair elections in India.
