All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi has raised serious concerns regarding electoral roll verification procedures being carried out in Bihar, alleging that the Election Commission of India is quietly enforcing National Register of Citizens (NRC)-like processes ahead of the forthcoming state and general elections.
Speaking at a public gathering and later addressing the media, Owaisi alleged that large-scale voter verification exercises currently underway in Bihar are being conducted without adequate public information or transparency. He stated that the nature of the verification — including demands for documentary proof of citizenship and door-to-door checks — mirrors procedures associated with the NRC.
Owaisi claimed that this move could lead to the exclusion of many legitimate voters, particularly from marginalised communities, who may not possess the required documentation. He warned that such practices could undermine the democratic process by disenfranchising eligible citizens based on technicalities or bureaucratic hurdles.
“This appears to be NRC through the backdoor,” Owaisi said. “No official announcement has been made, yet actions on the ground suggest a systematic implementation of a controversial and discriminatory process. The Election Commission must clarify its position immediately.”
The NRC is a controversial citizenship documentation process that has previously been implemented in Assam, resulting in the exclusion of a significant number of people from the official register. Critics have argued that the exercise was flawed and targeted specific communities, leading to social and legal complications.
Owaisi emphasized that no such procedure should be undertaken without a clear legal mandate, parliamentary discussion, and public consent. He added that electoral reforms and verification are important but must be transparent and inclusive. He urged the Election Commission to ensure that no legitimate voter is removed from the electoral rolls due to administrative overreach or confusion.
The Election Commission has not yet responded to the allegations. However, sources within the Commission have maintained that routine voter list verification is part of standard election preparation and is conducted across all states to maintain accurate and up-to-date electoral records.
Meanwhile, political reactions have started to emerge. Some opposition leaders have echoed Owaisi’s concerns, while others have criticised him for creating panic and politicising routine administrative work. The ruling parties in Bihar have largely refrained from commenting on the issue.
Civil rights activists and voter awareness organisations have called for the Election Commission to issue a formal clarification. They emphasised the importance of transparency in electoral processes, especially in a politically sensitive environment.
The situation continues to develop as political parties in Bihar gear up for the upcoming elections. Owaisi’s remarks have added a new dimension to the electoral debate, drawing attention to the balance between electoral integrity and voter inclusivity.
