New Delhi: The Election Commission has released the list of voters whose names were removed from the SIR draft voter list in Bihar, making it publicly accessible on the Commission’s official website.

The publication follows a Supreme Court directive on August 14, instructing the poll body to provide a district-wise list of all omitted voters along with reasons for deletion, whether due to death, migration, or double registration. A new link has also been activated on the EC Bihar website for voters to check their names easily.

In addition, the top court mandated that the booth-wise list of removed voters be displayed at District Election Officers’ offices, and that the information be shared via social media, newspapers, radio, and television. The deleted voter lists will also be available at every Booth Level Officer (BLO) office and Panchayat office.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission rebuked Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his “vote chori” (vote theft) allegations, stating that political parties are targeting voters while blaming the Commission. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar asked Gandhi to either submit an affidavit with proof within seven days or issue a public apology for his remarks. 

Rahul Gandhi’s claims:

Gandhi had recently intensified his allegations of "vote chori" (vote theft), accusing the ECI of colluding with the BJP to manipulate electoral rolls in Bihar. During his 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Aurangabad, Gandhi claimed that the SIR process was a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise legitimate voters and favor the ruling party.

He alleged that the ECI had removed genuine voters from the rolls and even declared living voters as deceased. Supporting these claims, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the Chief Election Commissioner for threatening Gandhi over his exposé and noted the delayed and rare direct communication from the ECI.