With elections in Bihar looming, a familiar and tiresome pattern has begun to emerge in India’s left-liberal media ecosystem. The latest example comes from The Wire, which published an article insinuating that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is undertaking a massive voter roll revision in Bihar as part of some covert “NRC-like” exercise aimed at disenfranchising citizens.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t journalism—it’s narrative building. And it’s being done with a singular goal in mind: to delegitimize the outcome of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in case the INDIA alliance loses.
What the Wire Claims
The article, published on June 26, 2025, objects to the ECI’s decision to launch a Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the elections due by November 2025.
It alleges that:
The subtext is clear: if the Mahagathbandhan INDI alliance loses, it’s because voters were struck off unfairly by the Modi-controlled ECI.
FACT CHECK : What the Wire Doesn’t Tell You
Let’s break down the misinformation and selective half-truths embedded in the article.
1. Legal and Procedural Legitimacy
The ECI is acting well within its powers under Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and Rule 25 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, which empower it to carry out Special Summary Revisions at any time, provided reasons are recorded.
Moreover, contrary to the article’s tone, there is nothing unusual about revising rolls before elections, especially when the goal is to ensure accuracy—add new voters, remove deceased or shifted individuals, and fix errors.
In fact, not conducting such an exercise would attract criticism for failing to maintain electoral integrity.
2. Timing Is Not “Suspicious”—It’s Standard Practice
The revision began on June 25, with a draft publication due by August 1, and the window for objections open until September 30.
This leaves ample time—nearly two full months—for citizens to verify their names or file claims. That’s more than many previous roll update cycles.
Besides, similar roll revisions were carried out before elections in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand —yet The Wire and its ideological kin never raised an eyebrow then. Why now?
3. NRC Analogy Is Intellectually Dishonest
The most manipulative portion of the article is the deliberate invocation of “NRC-like” fears. Comparing a routine electoral roll update to the Assam NRC is not only irresponsible—it’s inflammatory.
To equate this to a citizenship verification process is a textbook case of fear-mongering.
4. Digital Literacy Argument Is a Convenient Crutch
Yes, rural digital illiteracy is a concern—but that’s precisely why offline verification via door-to-door BLO visits remains part of the process. The ECI has also ensured that forms can be submitted in-person at designated centres.
When similar processes were used in states where the Congress or AAP won, this concern mysteriously disappeared. Only when BJP is seen to have an edge does “digital disenfranchisement” become a trending outrage.
5. Selective Outrage Is The Wire’s Full-Time Job
Let’s rewind:
But Bihar? Now that the BJP has momentum, The Wire starts spinning stories of ECI misconduct before a single vote has been cast.
It’s not journalism. It’s a safety net.
The Real Agenda : Discredit in Advance, Blame Later
Instead of focusing on the dismal governance track record of RJD in Bihar—jungle raj, crime, lawlessness—The Wire would rather sow seeds of doubt in India’s democratic process.
They already know the likely outcome, and this is the start of Phase 1: Discredit the ECI.
The Foundation of Doubt, Laid Brick by Brick
It’s the same tired script.
The darbari media of Congress, masquerading as watchdogs, are simply party propagandists with press cards.
What Needs to be Asked
Silence on these questions proves their intent isn’t electoral reform. It’s political gaslighting.
Final Words
The Wire’s article is not journalism—it’s insurance. Insurance against a possible defeat for the INDIA bloc in Bihar. Their panic is evident, their tactics are tired, and their credibility is long gone.
Let India watch closely how these intellectual courtiers try to rewrite the story before it’s even told.
Because if the INDIA bloc loses Bihar, you already know who they’ll blame.
Author : Sandeep Gandotra, is a serial entrepreneur, startup founder, social media influencer and political analyst with 25 years of overall experience. Tweets at Sandeep Gandotra
