The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) has condemned the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s recent directive regarding voter re-registration in Bihar state, expressing grave concerns about its potential impact on voting rights and citizenship status for millions of Indians.
This comes against the backdrop of the ECI’s ‘Special Intensive Revision’ (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Under this directive, approximately 80 million registered voters must complete a re-registration process by July 26, 2025, or face removal from voter rolls and potential classification as ‘suspected foreign nationals’.
Critics argue this policy creates significant barriers to electoral participation, particularly affecting India's economically disadvantaged populations who may lack access to the required documentation.
The IAMC, which is a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group, has objected that this ‘sudden directive’ is a concerning development that threatens the fundamental democratic right to vote for millions in one of India’s most populous states.
IAMC president Mohammad Jawad said that the compressed timeline and documentation requirements create unnecessary barriers that could result in mass disenfranchisement, particularly affecting the state's most vulnerable populations.
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The organisation characterises the policy as part of a broader pattern of what it views as discriminatory practices targeting religious minorities, particularly Muslims, under the guise of administrative reform.
IAMC has called upon multiple entities to address the situation. It wants the Indian government and the Supreme Court of India to immediately review and halt the current re-registration requirements. It wants the government of the United States to publicly address concerns about democratic processes and minority rights in India. Meanwhile, it has also called upon the international community to monitor the situation and advocate for the protection of voting rights and religious freedom
The organisation emphasises the need for transparent, equitable electoral processes that protect the democratic participation of all citizens, regardless of economic status or religious affiliation.