Bihar electoral roll revision leads to exclusion of 47 lakh voters ahead of upcoming elections.
At least 47 lakh names have been removed from the electoral roll in Bihar as the Election Commission released the final voter list following a special intensive revision in the state. This decision has raised concerns regarding potential disenfranchisement of voters, particularly in light of the upcoming Assembly elections anticipated in October or November. The Election Commission has characterized the revision as a necessary clean-up operation aimed at eliminating names of deceased individuals, duplicate entries, and undocumented migrants in preparation for the elections.
The Supreme Court has acknowledged the possibility of reviewing this electoral revision process, stating that it could be nullified if deemed illegal. The next court hearing is scheduled for October 7, where further developments regarding the voter list and the revision process may unfold.
In a separate political context, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam chief Vijay has made an appeal to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to direct any punitive measures towards him rather than his party workers. This statement comes in the wake of a tragic stampede that occurred during a rally in Karur district on September 27, which resulted in the deaths of 41 individuals. In his first video statement following the incident, Vijay expressed his concerns regarding the implications of the tragedy for his party, emphasizing that if there was any intent for retribution, it should be directed solely at him.
Vijay’s comments reflect his frustration, as he questioned how such a disaster could have transpired in Karur after his party had previously conducted campaigns in five other districts without any issues. His remarks follow the police’s arrest of his party’s Karur district general secretary in connection with the stampede, indicating the gravity of the situation.
Meanwhile, in Leh, prohibitory orders that were implemented following violence on September 24 have been relaxed for a limited period. These orders, which were established after police firing during protests resulted in four fatalities, had restricted public assembly in an effort to maintain order. On Tuesday, grocery stores, hardware shops, and essential services were permitted to operate for four hours, beginning at 10 am, although restrictions on gatherings of five or more people remain in effect in other significant areas of the Union Territory, particularly in Kargil.
Additional District Magistrate Ghulam Mohammed has reported to PTI that, since the violence on September 24, no further incidents have been documented in Leh, suggesting a temporary stabilization in the region. The protests had been focused on demands for statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which provides certain areas with a degree of autonomy due to their tribal majority.
As these developments unfold, they highlight the complex political dynamics in Bihar and Tamil Nadu, as well as ongoing tensions in Ladakh. Such events continue to shape the political landscape in India, reflecting the challenges faced by various stakeholders in these regions.
