In Focus by The Hindu Have Political Parties Decoded Disparate Bihar Ahead of the State Elections?
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Nov 4, 2025 Srinivasan Ramani, Deputy National Editor at The Hindu, dives deep into the complex political landscape of Bihar ahead of the upcoming elections. He breaks down the regional diversity, highlighting how floods and identity concerns dominate Seemanchal while economic justice drives Magadh. The impact of a recent voter roll revision saw millions removed, disproportionately affecting women, raising concerns about inclusion. Ramani also discusses the unique appeal of Prashant Kishore’s Jan Swaraj party targeting disillusioned youth, illustrating the intricate dynamics shaping Bihar's electoral future.
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Voter Roll Revision Cut Women Voters
- The Bihar special intensive revision (SIR) removed a net 47 lakh electors and disproportionately affected women, lowering the gender ratio from 907 to 892.
- Srinivasan Ramani found many young married women marked as "permanently shifted," risking disenfranchisement if not re-registered.
Paradox Of Higher Female Deletions
- Areas where women voted more than men in 2024 saw higher deletions after SIR, a paradox the Election Commission hasn't properly explained.
- Ramani warns a rushed SIR process during floods could signal disenfranchisement risks if replicated nationwide.
Seemanchal's Layered Communities And Floods
- Srinivasan Ramani described Seemanchal's diversity: distinct Muslim subgroups with different dialects, schools of Islam, and political behaviors.
- He noted the region's perennial floods and lack of infrastructure shape livelihood grievances often overshadowed by communal narratives.