In what could be a significant development regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, an individual from Pakistan has been found to be registered on the state’s voter list, as this phase comes into question regarding its accuracy of the process of voter registration and verification of identification documents.
Discovery During SIR Process
Imrana Khanam came to India from Pakistan in 1956, entered on a temporary permit. Khanam was granted entry as a refugee on a temporary permit, which expired after 6 months. During the SIR exercise in Bhagalpur, we discovered that Imrana Khanam was on the electoral roll as a voter. SIR is for cross-checking and verification of the information for entry and registering the electoral roll, and if a person appears on the roll as a voter, it is tagged differently and is regarded as ineligible.
Authorities Initiate to Delete
After the discovery, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed the Bhagalpur (district) authorities to delete Khanam from the electoral roll. Acting on the instructions of the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs), the Bhagalpur District administration has begun the process to delete from the electoral roll and will send them a notice for her to respond, and ask her to explain and submit her documents before the authorities.
Background of Imrana Khanam
In 1956, Imrana Khanam came to India on a trip visa, and her trip visa expired. And she remained in Bhagalpur, which she should not have, as she had no papers. However, she was able to obtain an Aadhaar card and a voter ID card which made her appear on the voter list during the SIR process.
Consequences and Investigations
A foreigner existing on a voter list is problematic for any process of voter registration and validation. The MHA is investigating how Imrana Khanam obtained Indian identity documents and the national security concerns and electoral integrity implications.
