Democracy isn't a Privilege for Those with the Right Paperwork

The Election Commission's sudden decision to conduct a special revision of Bihar's electoral rolls has raised troubling questions about the timing and intent.

- Anand Neelakantan

With Assembly elections looming on the horizon, this unexpected exercise has sparked a political firestorm that now reaches the hallowed chambers of the Supreme Court. On July 10, the apex court will hear petitions challenging what many see as an attempt to manipulate democratic processes in a politically volatile state. The revision, announced with minimal notice and justified through bureaucratic language about "electoral integrity," follows a pattern we've witnessed across states where opposition forces have shown strength. Democracy thrives on predictability of process and transparency of intent both conspicuously absent in this case. When electoral rules are abruptly altered, we must question whether we're witnessing prudent administration or calculated interference. The answers may determine not just Bihar's political future, but the health of our electoral system.

The EC's defence of this "special intensive revision" would be comical if it weren't so dangerous. They claim this exercise aims to eliminate duplicate and bogus voters-particularly those registered at both permanent and current addresses.

How thoughtful! With 7.9 million registered voters in Bihar, one of India's poorest states with staggering illiteracy rates, the EC has decided now is the perfect time to demand citizens prove they exist.

But here's where the dark comedy turns sinister. The EC, in its infinite wisdom, has excluded the Aadhaar card, ration card, and MGNREGA cards as valid proof of identity. Let that sink in.