Farooq Abdullah slams Bihar electoral roll move as anti-constitutional breach of democratic norms
by Utsav RoyNational Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday criticized the Election Commission’s recent move to initiate a special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, calling it “anti-Constitutional.”
Speaking to media personnel in Kulgam during a party event, Abdullah voiced strong concerns about the EC’s decision, highlighting the difficulties faced by a large population of Bihari migrants. “Over 1.5 crore people from Bihar are employed outside the state. How are they expected to fill enrollment forms or obtain death certificates of deceased relatives for verification?” he questioned.
Referring to the original framework of the Constitution, Abdullah pointed out that voting rights were guaranteed to all adult citizens. “When B.R. Ambedkar drafted the Constitution, it granted universal suffrage. Later, the age for voting was lowered to 18 years through an amendment. Now, a new law has been introduced which goes against the spirit of the Constitution,” he said.
Abdullah accused the Election Commission of acting under political pressure. “They are attempting to appease their superiors, even if it means undermining constitutional values,” he claimed.
Calling for public awareness and resistance, Abdullah urged citizens to recognize what he described as political “manipulations.” He warned, “This is not acceptable to the people of India. If this is imposed, it will spark a mass movement stronger than any agitation we’ve seen before, for the protection of the Constitution. May Allah give them the wisdom to uphold it.”
The Election Commission had announced the SIR for Bihar on June 24, stating the revision was essential to remove outdated or incorrect entries and to include only eligible voters. According to EC officials, the decision was prompted by increased urbanisation, frequent interstate migration, rising numbers of newly eligible voters, unreported deaths, and concerns about the inclusion of undocumented immigrants.
The last time such a revision took place in Bihar was in 2003.