Illegal Migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar Found During Voter List Review in Bihar: EC Officials
New Delhi/Hyderabad, July 13 (Maxim News): In a significant development during the Election Commission’s ongoing intensive revision of voter rolls in Bihar, field-level officials have identified a large number of suspected illegal migrants from Bangladesh, Myanmar (Rohingyas) and Nepal during house-to-house verifications.
According to senior Election Commission (EC) officials, these individuals were flagged by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during physical verification of voter data. The EC has made it clear that no illegal migrant will be included in the final electoral roll, which is scheduled to be published on September 30, following detailed scrutiny and verification after August 1.
Voter List Scrutiny to Intensify Nationally
The EC further stated that a nationwide intensive revision of electoral rolls is on the cards, aimed at identifying and removing foreign nationals and illegal immigrants from India’s voter database. A key verification parameter will be place of birth, to determine an individual’s eligibility.
This step gains urgency as Bihar gears up for Assembly elections this year, while other states like Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal are set to hold elections in 2026. Ensuring a clean and legally compliant voter list has become a top priority for the commission amid growing concerns over illegal migrants participating in democratic processes.
States Crack Down on Foreign Nationals
The update follows intensified action in several states against illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh and Myanmar, many of whom have reportedly entered India over the years and settled in urban or semi-urban clusters.
A senior EC official said, “We are committed to ensuring that the electoral rolls reflect only bonafide Indian citizens. In Bihar, we’ve noticed a worrying trend during our current review process, which will be addressed with strict verification protocols.”
Officials also clarified that being a citizen of Nepal does not automatically disqualify an individual, as Nepalese citizens enjoy certain rights under Indo-Nepal treaties. However, proof of valid documentation and permanent residency status will be closely examined.
Next Steps: Enquiry and Final Publication
The EC has assured that every flagged case will undergo a proper enquiry, and only genuine Indian citizens will be included in the revised electoral roll. The process is being closely monitored, especially in sensitive border districts where infiltration is suspected to be higher.
This move is expected to enhance the transparency and integrity of India’s democratic process, especially in states with cross-border population movement.
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