Editorial Snapshot: 01-July-2025

Roll crunch: On the revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls 

Elections in India witness greater participation from the poor and marginalised, providing them a vital democratic voice. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has played a key role in increasing voter inclusion. Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections in October, the ECI has launched a “Special Intensive Revision” of electoral rolls to ensure accuracy. However, concerns arise over its rushed timeline and rigid documentation requirements, risking the exclusion of genuine voters. Of the 7.96 crore electors, only about 3.16 crore from the 2003 rolls qualify for simplified verification, leaving 4.74 crore to submit fresh documents. Bihar’s low birth registration and limited possession of official documents, especially among the poor, further complicate the process. Excluding widely available IDs like Aadhaar and ration cards is questioned. Given these challenges, the ECI is urged to extend the revision process across all States, well ahead of the 2029 general election, to safeguard the right to vote and maintain electoral integrity. 

Sheer negligence: On the Puri stampede 

In the past year, India has witnessed nine stampedes, six of which occurred at religious gatherings. The latest tragedy happened during the Rath Yatra at the Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha, on June 29, 2025, resulting in three deaths and over 50 injuries. The incident exposed critical lapses in crowd management and planning. Despite the centuries-old significance and large attendance of the Rath Yatra, poor infrastructure and negligence led to chaos. Key failures included blocked exits for VIP entry, a single corridor for two-way movement, and the sudden arrival of trucks, all contributing to panic and overcrowding. 

Approximately 750 people were hospitalised due to heat and stress. While the chariot procession is deeply symbolic, the management failed to address basic crowd needs like hydration, thermal comfort, and safe exits. The situation reflects India’s larger issues with crowd control during public events. The piece concludes by urging systemic reform, including eliminating VIP privilege and integrating better safety and climate-sensitive measures into future event planning. 

Latest Posts:

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *