On August 17, 2025 the Election Commission of India held a press conference at the National Media Center, New Delhi to answer the questions swirling around vote theft, Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and role of Aadhar in the process.
EC had announced earlier that the SIR voters were to be verified on the basis 11 documents which did not include identity proofs like Aadhar card, Ration card, elector photo ID cards, or PAN card.
However, after Supreme Court’s direction EC confirmed that linking Aadhar card to voter ID card will be done with strong adherence of Article 326 of Indian Constitution, sections 23(4), 23(5), and 23(6) of the Representation of the People Act and that the Aadhar card will serve solely as a proof of identity. The ECI will initiate technical consultation with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
Discussion about additional document may be included in the upcoming Supreme Court hearing on August 22, 2025.
Highlight of the conference was EC refuting the allegations made by Rahul Gandhi about vote list manipulation in Karnataka and the chief election commissioner challenging Rahul Gandhi to submit an affidavit in a week to support his allegation or else apologize to the nation for causing distrust and confusion. EC criticized use of phrases like “vote chori”, accusing those making such statements of undermining the election process and misleading the voters.
EC justified Bihar electoral roll revision as necessary process to endure error free electoral rolls and also emphasized the transparency of the Bihar SIR process, noting that political parties were involved in each and every stage and political parties may raise objection if they have any within the remaining time.
