Bihar poll roll revision
There is a wide gap between how the Election Commission of India (ECI) has planned the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and how it is being conducted on the ground. In a State with low literacy and poor administration, it is highly suspect that an exercise of such a magnitude can be carried out in a fair manner in a short period. Ground reports have exposed major rigging of the process, with voters not receiving a copy of the submitted forms and groups of booth-level officers filling out applications in bulk and signing them on behalf of unsuspecting voters. This is alleged to be happening in several locations. One can extrapolate the situation in rural Bihar, away from the media glare. A greater challenge awaits voters in the second part of the campaign, when a majority will be required to validate their claim of citizenship with a mandated document: an onerous task that is likely to result in their widespread disenfranchisement. Perhaps, there could be no other time than now for the top court to act.
Kamal Laddha,
Bengaluru
With the Supreme Court refusing to stay the ongoing SIR in Bihar, a State which goes to the polls later this year, the ECI has been given a free hand to conduct the exercise There is political advice to ensure that the SIR does not end up as a citizenship verification drive, which appears to be a distinct possibility. There could be an unseen hand where the SIR is concerned.
C.V. Aravind,
Bengaluru
One must not undermine the sincere efforts being made by the Booth Level Officers working under pressure and limited resources. The ECI must act decisively to protect both voter rights and institutional credibility. The ECI should pay attention to constructive criticism as fault-finding may reveal practical solutions. Strengthening, not politicising, this process is essential for electoral integrity.
Avinashiappan Myilsami,
Coimbatore
Noise pollution
Intoning religious verses in high pitch may be godly blandishment for one section but a nuisance for others. Despite knowing fully well the relation between silent prayer and peaceful life, even the educated religious virtuosos seek out ghoulish noise. It is unfortunate that highly literate and thickly populated Kanniyakumari district has become an epicentre of noise pollution. It has become tiresome for people to stay within closed rooms with eardrums hurting. A blanket ban on noise pollution may help improve the quality of life of the passive listeners.
T. John Paulus,
Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Food on Vande Bharat
On at least a few occasions, the food served on the Vande Bharat trains does not meet quality standards. I have travelled on this train and there is no doubt that it saves travel time even though the tickets are expensive. I travelled recently to Kozhikode and the food and beverages served do not take into account the needs of people who are concerned about their general health and diabetic health. The masala tea is premixed with sugar. The rice, mango drink, chocopie, and the sweet kesari are not food choices diabetics like me want. The Railways should include options for passengers who have health problems.
Jiji Panicker K.,
Chengannur, Kerala
Published – July 18, 2025 12:24 am IST