Bihar Voter Registration Row: Supreme Court to Hear RJD's Urgent Plea Amid "Sir" Controversy

In a significant legal development poised to reshape the electoral landscape of Bihar, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an urgent petition filed by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Monday. The plea seeks a crucial extension for the ongoing voter registration drive in the state, alleging that the process has been severely compromised by a controversial directive from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the preoccupation of state officials with his 'Samadhan Yatra'.

The RJD's petition, spearheaded by its National General Secretary Abdul Bari Siddiqui, paints a grim picture of electoral negligence.

It contends that the summary revision of electoral rolls, a fundamental exercise to ensure accurate voter lists, was derailed by the Bihar government's priorities. The primary accusations revolve around two contentious issues: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's extensive 'Samadhan Yatra' and the now infamous "Sir" controversy, where the CM reportedly expressed displeasure over being addressed as "Mukhya Mantri Ji" instead of "Sir" by state officials.

According to the RJD's submission, these two factors diverted crucial state machinery and administrative personnel from their designated election duties.

Officials, instead of meticulously engaging in the voter registration process – which includes household visits to enroll new voters and update existing information – were allegedly tasked with logistical and security arrangements for the Chief Minister's statewide tour. This diversion, the party argues, led to a significant lapse in the ECI’s drive, which originally concluded on January 25th.

The "Sir" row, in particular, is highlighted by the RJD as a psychological barrier that further hampered the registration efforts.

The petition suggests that officials, wary of offending the Chief Minister and fearing professional repercussions, became hesitant to conduct extensive door-to-door visits. The concern was that they might be perceived as not fully adhering to the CM's directive to be addressed as "Sir," thereby potentially jeopardizing their careers.

This alleged fear-mongering environment, the RJD claims, directly contributed to a lack of genuine effort in reaching out to potential voters, especially the youth and those in remote areas.

The RJD's legal team points out that the consequences of this alleged negligence are profound. They argue that countless eligible citizens, particularly first-time voters, have been disenfranchised due to the inadequate registration drive.

The party had previously raised these critical concerns with both the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar, highlighting the potential for a flawed electoral roll. However, they lament that their pleas seemingly fell on deaf ears, leaving them with no recourse but to approach the highest court of the land.

The Supreme Court's decision to hear this petition on Monday marks a pivotal moment.

The outcome will not only determine whether the voter registration deadline in Bihar is extended but could also set a precedent regarding the accountability of state administrations in facilitating free and fair electoral processes. With the integrity of Bihar's electoral rolls hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on the apex court as it delves into the "Sir" row and its alleged impact on democratic participation.