During the ongoing special voter revision campaign in Bihar, voters are now being asked to provide additional documents to verify their citizenship—especially those who were not included in the 2003 electoral rolls. This move has triggered a political controversy, with opposition parties alleging that it is a stealth implementation of an NRC-like exercise (National Register of Citizens) without formal announcement or debate.
The Election Commission of India (ECI), under the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955, has created three categories of voters, based on date of birth, to determine the documents required:
1. Born before July 1, 1987:
Must submit proof of either date of birth or place of birth—or both.
2. Born between July 1, 1987 and December 2, 2004:
Must submit self-proof along with similar proof for either parent.
3. Born after December 2, 2004:
Must submit self-proof and proof for both parents.
This type of citizenship test was not enforced during the 2003 revision of electoral rolls. Back then, the process only involved correcting discrepancies between the photo identity cards and the voter list.
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Indicative (not exhaustive) list of documents acceptable as proof
(Separate self-attested documents must be submitted for Self, Father, and Mother—unless the extract of the Bihar Electoral Roll with qualifying date 01.01.2003 is used, which alone shall be deemed sufficient.)
1. Any identity card or Pension Payment Order issued to a regular employee/pensioner of any Central Government/State Government/PSU.
2. Identity card/certificate/document issued in India by Government/local authority/Bank/Post Office/LIC/PSUs prior to 01.07.1987.
3. Birth certificate issued by a competent authority.
4. Passport.
5. Matriculation or educational certificate issued by recognised Boards or Universities.
6. Permanent residence certificate issued by a competent State authority.
7. Forest Rights Certificate.
8. Caste certificate (OBC/SC/ST) issued by competent authority.
9. Entry in the National Register of Citizens (wherever applicable).
10. Family Register maintained by State or Local authorities.
11. Any government-issued land or house allotment certificate.
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Why the Opposition Is Protesting
Critics argue that:
This move is designed to disenfranchise vulnerable communities, including minorities, Dalits, migrants, and the economically weaker sections.
Asking for such documentation without public debate or parliamentary approval imposes unnecessary burdens on ordinary citizens.
The process mirrors what happened in Assam, where millions struggled to prove citizenship during the NRC exercise.
Political Implications in Bihar
This decision, coming just ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, has stirred major political reactions. Analysts believe it could be a strategic attempt to divide voters and suppress the voting rights of particular communities.
Opposition parties have demanded transparency, clarity, and suspension of any such documentation process during election time. They insist that matters of citizenship must not be mixed with the electoral process—lest it lead to severe political and social unrest in the state.