As Bihar gears up for Bihar elections 2025, a massive electoral overhaul - the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) - has sent shockwaves across the political landscape. With 95.9% voter coverage, the process is nearing completion, but 41.6 lakh registered names are flagged as “not traceable.” Among them, a controversial group of 11,000 “untraceables” has been singled out as potential illegal voters.

In this comprehensive blog, we explain why the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is being conducted, the scale of this effort, the controversies it has sparked, and what it means for the upcoming Bihar elections 2025.

What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and Why Now?

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a rigorous door-to-door verification process initiated by the ECI to overhaul Bihar’s electoral rolls - the last such extensive revision was nearly 22 years ago, in 2003. Given that Bihar’s voter list now exceeds 7.9 crore electors, many inaccuracies have accumulated due to migration, deaths, and illegal inclusions.

Significantly, the SIR is mandated to:

• Enroll all citizens who turned 18 on or before July 1, 2025.
• Purge names of deceased, migrated, duplicate, and possibly fake voters.
• Strengthen electoral integrity ahead of the crucial Bihar elections 2025.

The ECI’s notification dated June 24, 2025, emphasized strict compliance with Article 326 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1950, to safeguard voter eligibility and disqualifications.

How is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Being Implemented?

Implementing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) involves an immense administrative machinery:

• About 1 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are conducting multiple rounds of house-to-house verification.
• Over 4 lakh volunteers and 1.5 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties aid BLOs.
• Enumeration forms, pre-filled with existing data, are distributed for voters to confirm or update their details including citizenship proofs.
• Special camps in urban areas target voters temporarily away from their registered residences.

According to recent ECI updates, nearly 95.92% of voters have been covered so far, with around 32 lakh forms still awaited. The draft roll will be published on August 1, 2025, with a claims and objections window ending on August 30. The final roll is scheduled for publication by September 30, just weeks before the Bihar elections 2025.

The Concerning Numbers: 41 Lakh Voters At Risk in the SIR

One of the most talked-about aspects of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is the revelation of around 41.6 lakh (5.3%) voters who were untraceable during verification after multiple visits by BLOs. Their exclusion raises serious questions about electoral representation.

Breaking down this figure:

• 14.3 lakh likely deceased voters.
• 19.7 lakh presumed migrants who have permanently shifted.
• 7.5 lakh duplicate registrations.
• 11,000 “not traceable” voters, who may include foreign nationals or illegal immigrants.

These 11,000 ‘not traceables’ have drawn sharp attention amid allegations that some could be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh or refugees such as the Rohingyas, potentially voting illicitly and affecting election outcomes.

Political Controversies and Legal Challenges

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has become a flashpoint in Bihar’s political discourse:

• Opposition parties claim the revision is a deliberate ploy to disenfranchise voters sympathetic to opposition groups, dubbing it a “vote ban” ahead of the assembly polls.
• The ruling coalition counters by accusing opponents of trying to protect ‘fake voters’ and emphasizes the necessity of a clean electoral roll for free and fair elections.
• The requirement for documentary proof of citizenship and the timeline for submitting forms have been criticized as onerous, especially for marginalized groups like migrant workers who may lack documents or be away from home during verification.

Multiple petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) are currently pending before the Supreme Court. Petitioners argue that this process infringes on constitutional rights by shifting the burden of proof onto voters, restricts valid identity proofs like Aadhaar, and risks wrongful deletions. The apex court is expected to hear these prayers imminently, offering possible guidelines on the process.

Administrative Hurdles and Social Impact

The scale of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is staggering, and several ground realities pose challenges:

• Migrants and seasonal workers not physically present at their registered addresses risk deletion.
• The poor and illiterate may find document collection and submission difficult.
• The monsoon season and large area to be covered further strain BLO capacities.

To mitigate disenfranchisement, the ECI allows claims and objections post draft publication and encourages active participation by political party agents.

What Does the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Mean for Bihar Elections 2025?

With margins often razor-thin in Bihar assembly constituencies, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) could profoundly influence electoral outcomes in the upcoming Bihar elections 2025. Every voter lost or extra fraudulent voter detected could tilt a constituency either way.

The ECI is walking a tightrope between electoral purity and voter rights protection. Transparency, efficient grievance redressal, and awareness campaigns will be key to ensuring that this revision does not erode public trust.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar represents a landmark effort to modernize and purify electoral rolls. While fraught with logistical, political, and social complexities, the exercise is foundational for the credibility of the Bihar elections 2025.

As Bihar inch closer to the polls, TheUnitedIndian will continue to provide you with accurate, timely updates to help you navigate the evolving electoral landscape.

Frequency Asked Question (FAQs)

1. What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar?
   The SIR is a door-to-door voter verification exercise conducted by the Election Commission to update Bihar’s electoral rolls ahead of the 2025 state elections.
2. Why are 41 lakh voters flagged in Bihar?
   These voters were found to be either deceased, permanently shifted, duplicate, or completely untraceable during the SIR process.
3. Who are the 11,000 “untraceable” voters in Bihar?
   These individuals couldn’t be found at their registered addresses and are suspected to be fake or illegal entries on the voter list.
4. What is the deadline for the SIR process in Bihar?
   The final date for form submissions under the SIR is July 25, 2025, with draft rolls expected by August 1.
5. How does the SIR impact Bihar elections 2025?
   The SIR may significantly alter the voter base before the elections, raising concerns over disenfranchisement and political bias.