Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 27: The INDIA bloc on Tuesday accused the Election Commission of enrolling more than 5,000 voters from neighbouring Uttar Pradesh into Bihar’s draft electoral rolls, allegedly to benefit the ruling NDA in the upcoming assembly elections.

At a press conference held in Phulparas, Madhubani district, Congress national general secretary Randeep Surjewala and RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha claimed that the “doubtful voters” were largely registered in the Valmiki Nagar constituency of West Champaran district. They also cited the example of a 45-year-old Khadda (UP) voter whose name had appeared in Bihar’s list.

The Election Commission, however, dismissed the allegations, terming the figure “imaginary” and without any supporting evidence.

In a statement, the West Champaran district administration clarified that the rolls published on August 1 were only drafts, intended to invite claims and objections regarding duplications or discrepancies. It added that geographical shifts caused by river course changes in the area often lead to multiple registrations, which are corrected during special revisions.

On the case highlighted by the INDIA bloc leaders, officials said that the voter in question had already applied for deletion of his name from Uttar Pradesh’s rolls.