India’s Election Commission (ECI) has initiated a massive voter verification process in Bihar that may disenfranchise millions. The campaign, aimed at rooting out “foreign illegal immigrants,” requires nearly 80 million people to re-register as voters by July 26 or face deportation. Critics argue this could be a covert move to implement the controversial National Register of Citizens (NRC), which has been proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to identify and deport undocumented immigrants.
This directive comes amid a clampdown on Bengali-speaking Muslims deemed to be undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants. India’s opposition parties, including the Indian National Congress, have petitioned the Supreme Court to halt the exercise, warning of disenfranchisement, especially among underprivileged populations who may not have the necessary identification. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supports the ECI’s action, even suggesting its extension nationwide.
ECI justifies the process by citing reasons such as urbanization, migration, and the inclusion of non-stated voters. However, the timeline for implementation is tight, and there is criticism over the lack of public consultation preceding the order. Experts argue that the coincidence with the monsoon season will compound the challenge for millions to provide required documentation.
The ECI’s criterion for preferring proof of the place of birth rather than the historical date of birth has also raised questions about voter eligibility criteria. The political implications are significant, as the timing of the move coincides with upcoming state elections and aligns with the BJP’s rhetoric on immigration. Detractors see it as a ploy to weaken opposition parties by disenfranchising their supporters, particularly in marginalized communities.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/7/10/why-is-india-forcing-80-million-people-to-justify-their-right-to-vote?traffic_source=rss
