Yogendra Yadav exposes Bihar SIR crisis: Why EC deleted 65 lakh voters?

Published on August 22, 2025 In this episode of Frontline Conversations, political activist Yogendra Yadav talks about the growing crisis of credibility in the Election Commission of India. He criticises the Commission’s unusual press conference over mass voter deletions in Bihar under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), calling it the “biggest disenfranchisement drive in history.” Yadav warns that by making citizens prove their own citizenship, the Commission is undermining the foundations of Indian democracy. Drawing on data, legal arguments, and his Supreme Court petition, Yadav talks about the decline of public trust in the Election Commission, the targeting of research groups like CSDS, and the risks of repeating the Bihar exercise across the country. He also explains what the Commission must do to regain credibility and ensure fair elections. Context: The Election Commission’s SIR in Bihar asked voters to prove their citizenship with documents many don’t have. Critics say this could leave millions, especially the poor, without the right to vote. Public trust in the Commission is now at a historic low. Yadav, who has taken the issue to court, sees this as part of a bigger debate on citizenship, voter rights, and the future of Indian democracy. Highlights: -Why the Election Commission’s press conference backfired -SIR in Bihar as the largest disenfranchisement exercise in history -Declining public trust in the Election Commission -FIRs and show-cause notices against CSDS and academic institutions -What the Election Commission must do to restore credibility Perfect for: -Students and researchers of Indian politics and democracy -Journalists, legal experts, and policy analysts -Viewers concerned about elections, citizenship, and civil liberties Credits: Host: Soni Mishra Producer: Kavya Pradeep M Editor: Razal Pareed Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook - / frontlineindia Twitter - / frontline_india Instagram - / frontline.magazine LinkedIn - / frontline-magazine-b12921295