Bihar CEO Allows Voters Excluded from Draft Electoral Roll to File Claims Using Aadhaar

Bihar’s Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal has issued a notification allowing voters excluded from the draft electoral rolls to check their status and file claims using their Aadhaar cards. This follows the Supreme Court’s directive ensuring those aggrieved by the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process can seek redress.

The first phase of the SIR led to the removal of approximately 65 lakh names from Bihar’s draft voter list, published on August 1, 2025. These deletions mainly resulted from people permanently relocating or being reported deceased, with 36 lakh categorized as having permanently moved and 22 lakh listed as deceased.

Voters can inquire about their exclusion status by using their EPIC number and can access exclusion lists displayed at block offices, panchayat offices, municipal bodies, and polling stations. Those dissatisfied with their exclusion may submit a claim along with a copy of their Aadhaar card.

Concerns have been raised by opposition parties and activists regarding erroneous deletions during the revision, including individuals marked dead who are reportedly alive. The electoral roll currently enrolls around 7.24 crore voters out of the total 7.89 crore eligible voters in Bihar.

The Election Commission's clarification on whether additional documents besides Aadhaar are required for enrollment in the revised list is awaited.