Bihar Final Voter List 2025: 7.42 Crore Electors, Vote Chori Row

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released Bihar’s final electoral roll on September 30, 2025, ahead of the crucial state assembly elections in October–November. The updated roll covers 243 constituencies with 7.42 crore registered voters, after removing nearly 47 lakh ineligible entries and adding 21.53 lakh verified electors through the Special Intensive Revision

Key Facts

• Timeline: Draft roll published August 1, 2025 → claims/objections till September 1 → final roll on September 30.
• Deletions: 65 lakh names removed during the draft stage, plus another 47 lakh ruled ineligible.
• Additions: 21.53 lakh new electors verified and included.
• Net Electorate: 7.42 crore voters for the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
• Controversy: Rahul Gandhi alleged the process disenfranchised minorities and the poor, calling it a BJP-led “vote theft” operation.

Background

This marks Bihar’s first Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in 22 years, aimed at cleaning up the voter list by removing duplicates, migrants, and deceased electors. However, the requirement of citizenship proof during verification has triggered debates. The Supreme Court is currently hearing petitions questioning the methodology and stressing inclusive voter access

Official Statements

• ECI: “No eligible voter will be left out. All claims and objections have been duly addressed.”
• Rahul Gandhi (Congress): “This revision is rigged to exclude poor and minority voters. We will continue our agitation until every genuine voter’s right is restored.”

Reactions

• BJP (Amit Malviya): Dismissed the “vote chori” allegations, highlighting that Congress filed no formal complaints during the revision window.
• Opposition (RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav): Demanded a district-wise breakdown of deletions and additions to assess irregularities.

Impact on Elections

The final roll sets the stage for Bihar’s 2025 polls, shaping campaign strategies and voter mobilization. Allegations of “vote theft” have sharpened political narratives, particularly in swing constituencies where a few thousand votes could tip results.

Global Angle

Though a state-level process, Bihar’s SIR has drawn international attention as a test of India’s electoral integrity. Global observers are closely watching whether the exercise strengthens or undermines the credibility of the world’s largest democracy.

FAQs

Q1. When was Bihar’s final voter list 2025 released?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) published the final voter list on September 30, 2025, after completing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Q2. How many voters are registered in Bihar for the 2025 assembly elections?

There are 7.42 crore registered voters across 243 constituencies in Bihar.

Q3. Why were voter names deleted from the list?

Nearly 47 lakh names were removed to eliminate duplicates, migrants, and deceased electors as part of the first SIR conducted in Bihar in 22 years.

Q4. How many new voters have been added?

About 21.53 lakh new electors were verified and added to the final roll.

Q5. How can I check if my name is on the Bihar voter list 2025?

You can check online at the Election Commission of India portal or through the Voter Helpline App by entering your EPIC number, name, or district details.

Q6. What is the controversy around the Bihar voter list?

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has alleged that the revision exercise excluded genuine voters, especially minorities and the poor, calling it “vote chori.” The ECI, however, insists that no eligible voter has been left out.

Q7. Is the Bihar voter list issue in court?

Yes. The Supreme Court of India is hearing petitions challenging aspects of the SIR methodology, particularly the requirement of citizenship proof and large-scale deletions.

Q8. When are Bihar elections 2025 likely to be held?

The Bihar Assembly elections are expected in October–November 2025, with official dates likely to be announced in early October.