Two Pakistani nationals found on Bihar’s voter list during revision drive
Discovery During Voter List Check Sparks Concern
Pakistani Nationals Penetrate Bihar’s Voter System – In a surprising development, two women believed to be Pakistani nationals were found registered as voters in Bhagalpur district, Bihar. The discovery happened during a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, a routine exercise conducted by the Election Commission ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) flagged the issue while investigating foreign nationals overstaying their visas. The two women, identified as Imrana Khanam and Firdousia Khanam, entered India in the 1950s and had been living in Bhagalpur for decades. Despite their expired visas, they reportedly held Aadhaar cards and voter ID cards, raising serious questions about how they were verified and added to the voter list.
Local officials confirmed that both women were verified during the SIR process before their foreign origins were discovered. Booth Level Officer Farzana Khanam, who handled the verification, said she received official documents showing their Pakistani passports and began the process to remove their names from the voter list.
Investigation Begins: How Did This Happen?
The case has triggered a formal investigation by the Election Commission and the Home Ministry. District Magistrate Nawal Kishore Singh stated that the women’s names were confirmed on the voter list and that steps are being taken to cancel their voter ID cards and remove them from the rolls.
According to reports, Imrana Khanam entered India on a three-year visa in 1956, while Firdousia Khanam came on a three-month visa the same year. Neither renewed their visas, yet they managed to obtain Indian identity documents over time. Officials are now trying to understand how such a lapse occurred and whether more cases like this exist.
The Special Branch of the state intelligence agency has also alerted police headquarters about the presence of foreign nationals with Indian documents in border districts. These areas, especially those near Nepal and Bangladesh, are considered vulnerable to infiltration.
Political Reactions and Public Debate
The discovery has sparked a political storm in Bihar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a rally in Gaya, raised concerns about illegal immigration and its impact on local jobs and demographics. He promised strict action and said the government would soon launch a “demographic mission” to identify and remove illegal immigrants from the country.
Opposition parties, however, have criticized the voter list revision process. They claim the Election Commission is selectively removing names at the behest of the ruling party. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav have launched a “Voter Adhikar Yatra” to protect voting rights, accusing the government of targeting specific communities.
Several Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have been filed in the Supreme Court, challenging the fairness of the SIR exercise. The issue has now become a flashpoint in Bihar’s political landscape, with both sides accusing each other of manipulating the voter list for electoral gain.
What Happens Next?
Authorities have started the process of removing the two women’s names from the voter list. A detailed report is being prepared and will be sent to the Election Commission. Officials say further investigation will determine if any government staff were involved in the lapse or if it was a result of weak verification systems.
Experts believe this case highlights the need for stricter monitoring and transparency in the voter registration process. The fact that foreign nationals could obtain Indian identity documents and be verified as voters shows serious gaps in the system.
As Bihar prepares for its upcoming elections, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of clean and accurate voter rolls. Ensuring that only eligible citizens can vote is key to maintaining the integrity of India’s democracy.
Also read – Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Who Holds the Edge?
Mission Demography: PM Modi’s Bold Promise to Protect Bihar’s Jobs and Identity
Stay informed with the latest news and updates – only on Rapido Updates.