Bihar politics took a dramatic turn on Saturday, August 2, 2025, when Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav claimed that his name was missing from the draft electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The allegation, made during a press conference in Patna, quickly drew attention and sparked a political war of words. However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) swiftly refuted the claim, producing evidence that Yadav’s name was indeed present in the rolls.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Allegation
At a press briefing, Tejashwi Yadav connected his phone to a large screen and attempted to search for his EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) number online. The search result displayed: “No records found”.
Expressing his shock, Yadav said:
“Now look! I am myself not registered as a voter. This disqualifies me from contesting elections. Perhaps, I cease to be treated as a citizen and stand deprived of the right to live in this house.”
The RJD leader alleged that the booth-level officer (BLO) who visited his residence for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process did not give him a receipt for his enumeration form. He also claimed to have photographic proof of himself handing over the filled form.
Election Commission’s Response
Soon after Yadav’s statement, the Election Commission issued an official clarification. The poll body released a copy of the draft electoral rolls showing Tejashwi Yadav’s name, photograph, and details at serial number 416, alongside his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav.
According to the ECI, Yadav’s name had not been removed, and the online search discrepancy may have been due to technical or procedural errors in the method used.
Political Reactions
The allegation and its rebuttal quickly turned into a political flashpoint.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary hit back at Yadav on social media, accusing him of making “false and fraudulent claims.”
Choudhary wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Your name is very much alongside that of your father, respected Lalu Prasad. You would do better to shut your shop dealing in fraudulent and false claims.”
This exchange added another layer of tension to the already heated pre-election atmosphere in Bihar.
Yadav’s Larger Concern
Tejashwi Yadav stressed that his point was not just about his own case but about the potential disenfranchisement of voters across Bihar.
He argued that:
- Many people, including an IAS officer couple, have allegedly found their names missing from the rolls.
- Relying solely on offline methods can be difficult for residents outside Bihar.
- If prominent leaders face such issues, common citizens might be more vulnerable.
“The online method is what more people have access to. Would you expect someone residing outside Bihar to come down to look up his name in the electoral rolls?” Yadav asked.
Background: Special Intensive Revision
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is conducted ahead of elections to ensure voter lists are up to date. The ECI publishes draft electoral rolls for public scrutiny, allowing citizens to verify details and file corrections.
Yadav recently threatened to boycott the elections, accusing the poll body of trying to “help” the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) by selectively removing names from the rolls.
mplications for Bihar Politics
This controversy comes at a time when Bihar is gearing up for a fiercely contested election. Voter list accuracy is crucial, as even minor errors can lead to allegations of bias or manipulation.
While the Election Commission has provided documentary proof of Yadav’s inclusion in the rolls, the episode underscores the political mistrust that often surrounds electoral processes in India.
For the ruling NDA, the ECI’s rebuttal offers an opportunity to discredit the opposition’s narrative. For the RJD, the focus remains on highlighting possible loopholes and ensuring public attention on voter rights.
The dispute over Tejashwi Yadav’s name in the voter list reflects the charged political climate in Bihar ahead of the assembly polls. While the Election Commission’s evidence appears to settle the matter factually, the political debate is far from over.
As both the ruling and opposition camps continue their campaigns, the issue of voter list transparency is likely to remain a key talking point, not just for politicians but for the electorate as well.
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