RJD MP Manoj Jha Criticizes Bihar Voter Roll Exercise, Cites Lack of Transparency and Inclusion

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi:

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha on Tuesday voiced strong concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Exercise of the electoral rolls in Bihar, alleging that the process is being carried out without adequate consultation, leading to confusion and hardship for vulnerable communities.

“Without mutual discussion and participation, you have decided on someone's instructions that this has to be completed. This is not how democracy and constitutional institutions work,” Jha said during a media briefing in the capital. He further added, “The Leader of Opposition is in constant touch and we are also waiting for the court hearing. This is a chaotic situation.”

The SIR exercise is intended to update and verify the voter rolls in the state. However, according to Jha, the manner of its implementation has led to confusion, particularly among economically weaker sections. “They created chaos… They are poor people—Dalits, backward communities, and Muslims… Those poor people kept roaming here and there,” he said, implying that many were unsure about verification requirements or where to report.

Jha emphasized that the process must respect the foundational values of democracy. “This is not an elite 'tantra' (system); it is not just a 'tantra', it has 'Lok' (people) in it, and the 'Lok' must be respected,” he remarked.