The Election Commission of India has formally requested Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to submit the EPIC numbers and other identifying details of voters from Bihar whose names he claims were wrongfully deleted from the electoral rolls, after Gandhi shared a viral video during his 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' in Aurangabad on August 18, 2025, alleging large-scale disenfranchisement and “vote theft” in the state.

Election Commission Seeks Details After Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations

EC Responds to Viral Video

The controversy erupted after Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, posted a video on social media showing his interaction with a group of residents from Aurangabad, Bihar. These individuals alleged that their names had been deleted from the draft electoral rolls despite having voted in the previous four to five elections. Gandhi, accompanied by Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) and Dipankar Bhattacharya (CPI-ML Liberation), was on the second day of his 15-day ‘Vote Adhikar Yatra’ when the incident occurred.

In the video, Gandhi accused authorities of orchestrating a “vote chori” (vote theft) and claimed the deletions were carried out on “orders from above.” He vowed to continue fighting for the rights of the poor and to stop what he described as systematic disenfranchisement.

EC’s Official Response

Promptly reacting to the viral post, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar requested Gandhi to provide the EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) numbers and other relevant details of the individuals featured in the video, in the prescribed format, to facilitate a formal investigation and further action. The CEO also urged that these voters be assisted in filing claims and objections regarding their deletion, noting that the deadline for such submissions is September 1, 2025. A QR code was shared to streamline the online application process for affected voters.

Political and Public Reactions

The incident has intensified the ongoing debate over the integrity of the electoral process in Bihar. Gandhi’s allegations have been echoed by his political allies, who argue that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is being misused to disenfranchise genuine voters. In response, the Election Commission has reiterated that no voter is deleted without due process and prior notice, and has challenged Gandhi to provide concrete evidence to substantiate his claims.

Key Developments

Rahul Gandhi’s video: Shows alleged victims of wrongful voter deletion in Aurangabad.
EC’s demand: Requests EPIC numbers and details for investigation.
Deadline for claims: September 1, 2025, for affected voters to file objections.
Political context: Part of Gandhi’s broader campaign against alleged “vote theft” during the SIR in Bihar.

Comparison Table: Key Claims vs. EC Response

Aspect	Rahul Gandhi’s Claim	Election Commission Response
Nature of Allegation	Mass wrongful deletions	No deletion without due process
Evidence Provided	Video testimonials	Requests EPIC numbers for verification
Action Demanded	Halt “vote theft”	File claims/objections by Sep 1, 2025
Political Context	Part of Vote Adhikar Yatra	SIR is routine electoral roll revision

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for a voter to restore a deleted name from the electoral roll?
A voter can file a claim or objection with supporting documents through the official portal or at designated centers before the deadline.

How does the Election Commission verify allegations of wrongful deletions?
The EC investigates by cross-checking EPIC numbers, voter history, and official records before taking corrective action.

Are such deletions common during electoral roll revisions?
Deletions can occur due to deaths, migration, or errors, but mass wrongful deletions are rare and subject to investigation if alleged.

What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
SIR is a scheduled process to update voter lists, including additions, deletions, and corrections, to ensure accuracy before elections.

Can political parties assist voters in filing claims?
Yes, booth-level agents of political parties are authorized to help voters submit claims and objections during the revision period.

Key Takeaways

The Election Commission’s swift request for detailed voter information following Rahul Gandhi’s viral allegations underscores the seriousness with which electoral integrity is treated. As the deadline for claims approaches, affected voters and political parties are urged to utilize official channels to ensure every eligible citizen’s right to vote is protected.