Latest news with #Bihari
Mint
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Mint
Mihir Sharma: Democracy can be fraught in a country without a headcount
Gift this article India may have 1.4 billion people, or thereabouts. It's probably the world's most populous country, and may have overtaken China in 2023. We can't say for sure, because the country's government doesn't exactly know how many people it governs, where they live, or how many are citizens. A census has not been conducted since 2011 [though a delayed headcount is due to be held next year], the registration of births and deaths was minimal for decades, and it's hard to find detailed documents. India may have 1.4 billion people, or thereabouts. It's probably the world's most populous country, and may have overtaken China in 2023. We can't say for sure, because the country's government doesn't exactly know how many people it governs, where they live, or how many are citizens. A census has not been conducted since 2011 [though a delayed headcount is due to be held next year], the registration of births and deaths was minimal for decades, and it's hard to find detailed documents. In states like Bihar, this problem of low documentation is magnified. Home to 130 million but with a human development score similar to Haiti, Bihar is crucial to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) hold on national power. So it isn't surprising that politics in India right now revolves almost entirely around the state's election later this year. Also Read: Mint Quick Edit | Bihar's voter list revision: The SC weighs in Even as the most populous state of Uttar Pradesh seemed to sour somewhat on the ruling BJP in the general election of 2024, Bihar has stayed solid. The BJP won three-quarters of its constituencies, the same proportion it did in 2014. The party needs to demonstrate it still has a chokehold on politics there. The opposition alleges that, to eke out the win it needs, the ruling party is misusing government machinery—including through voter suppression. A 25-year-old Bihari, for example, was born at a time when the state was even poorer, and just 3.7% of births were registered with the government. This lack of official data makes planning and delivering social services very difficult. During emergencies—such as the pandemic lockdowns—the Indian government didn't know how many internal migrants would be affected by their inability to work. It seemed surprised by the many hundreds of thousands who trekked back home to their villages from Indian cities in search of food and shelter. Many of those labourers were heading to Bihar. They would have had little proof of their identity on them, other than a digital identity number called Aadhaar and perhaps a voter ID card. If the latter is taken away and the first rendered useless [as a claim to Indian citizenship], your vote could be in question. In some poverty-ridden parts of the country, democracy can look a little like feudalism: As access to state services could be closely linked to your ability to provide local strongmen with political support, staying on the voter roll can [even be a survival issue]. In June this year, India's election commission announced that it would revise Bihar's voter lists. The opposition challenged this decision immediately, fearing that as many as 30 million Biharis could potentially be struck off the electoral rolls, possibly giving the BJP an edge. Across the world, an increase in the documentation required to vote privileges richer, better-connected groups. In the US, for example, Republicans in the House of Representatives pushed through a requirement in April that voters provide proof of citizenship while registering to vote—usually through a passport or some other form of ID. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer has described this effort as being 'about making it harder to vote and easier to cheat." Similar arguments are being rehearsed in India. The BJP insists that too many non-citizens are capable of voting. The opposition fears that marginalized groups that typically don't vote for the BJP may get disenfranchised. The requirements for voter registration that India's election commission has set would be difficult to satisfy even in most of the West. Those born after 1987, for example, must provide both their birth certificates or passports, as well as a parent's. Those born after 2004 will have to prove both parents were born in India. This sounds particularly unrealistic in Bihar, which was barely governed for decades [and has a poor documentation record]. Indians have long muddled through with a mix of IDs, most of which serve different purposes. Not many have passports and driving licences, but many have 'voter ID cards,' which the election commission has handed out since the 1980s, or 'ration cards,' which are issued by state governments and entitle you to subsidized food. More than a decade ago, New Delhi also introduced a digital ID, Aadhaar, which was meant to simplify this confusing mess. Almost everyone in India has an Aadhaar number now and the system serves as the backbone for everything from health records to digital payments. But it doesn't prove your right to vote. Officials in India's election commission should recognize that they have a responsibility to ensure every possible vote is cast. And political leaders should finally own up to the problems created by their inability to count their people. ©Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. Topics You May Be Interested In
Scroll.in
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Video: Is the EC bringing in a National Register of Citizens in Bihar through the back door?
Play The Election Commission's decision to undertake a 'special intensive revision' of the electoral rolls in Bihar months before the state election has caused concern in several quarters. The unprecedented process has required at least 29 million out of nearly 79 million Bihari voters to prove that they –and in many cases their parents – were Indian citizens. What does it mean for citizenship, for marginalised communities and for the debate around documentation in India? Is this merely a data exercise, or does it signal something more, possibly a contentious National Register of Citizens being introduced through the backdoor? In this episode of Karwan e Mohabbat's discussion series on the state of the republic, author and peace worker Harsh Mander unpacks the implications of this exercise with political scientist Professor Zoya Hasan and social activist Anjali Bhardwaj. The participants examine the timing, intent, and impact of this sudden revision. The conversation explores how such measures can risk undermining constitutional values and stoking anxieties among vulnerable populations.
NDTV
9 hours ago
- NDTV
New Food Court Opens At India Gate, Offering A Taste Of More Than 10 Indian States
The India Gate has always been a popular hangout spot for Delhiites and tourists visiting the city. The monument commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during World War I. Just a glimpse of the memorial is enough to fill the heart with national pride. The India Gate was once a beloved picnic destination, with families carrying boxes and casseroles of food to enjoy on its wide lawns. However, visitors are now prohibited from bringing bags, luggage, food, and pets into the monument area, ending the picnic culture around the site. Now, a new foodie initiative aims to attract more visitors. A food court has recently opened at the India Gate. Just take the underpass, and you will reach the newly opened spacious and clean food court. There are two sections - North and South - serving popular Indian dishes from various states, all at affordable prices. The food court is an open space with small tables shaded by umbrellas, surrounded by multiple stalls offering cuisines from different regions of the country. Some of these outlets include a Hyderabadi cuisine stall by Telangana Tourism, Cafe Kudumbashree by the Government of Kerala, Roots from the hills of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam Food Counter, Rajasthani Food Counter, Sikkim Food Court, Aaharika serving Bihari cuisine, Meghalaya Collectives Cafe, Tamil Nadu Food Court, and MTDC Maharashtra Food Stall. The new food court is a great place to grab a quick bite after a walk around the India Gate, especially during the pleasant monsoon weather.
NDTV
a day ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Nitish Kumar Will Be Bihar Chief Minister After Polls: Chirag Paswan
New Delhi: Union minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Monday said Nitish Kumar will take oath as Bihar Chief Minister again after the assembly elections to be held later this year. Mr Paswan's remarks came just two days after he expressed "regret" over having to support the Nitish Kumar government, which he alleged has "surrendered" before criminals. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, the Union food processing minister also accused the Opposition of targeting the Army to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Operation Sindoor. Mr Paswan, the MP from Hajipur in Bihar, said the NDA is a "winning combination" for the elections and reiterated his commitment towards Prime Minister Modi. "Several times I have reiterated that my commitment and love is towards the Prime Minister. Under PM Modi's leadership, the elections (in Bihar) will be fought. After the election results, Nitish Kumar will again take oath as chief minister. Definitely he will be the chief minister," he said. On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, Mr Paswan said this process has happened four times earlier with no difference, except that digital technology has been linked now. "Earlier, one used to go for physical documentation and now online you can submit," he said. The Union food processing minister pointed out that Aadhaar cards do not have place of birth clarity, adding that people can appeal at three levels if there are any problems. "Opposition created such noise on this issue. Have they given any proof to show if names have been removed wrongly?" he asked. "Only the one wrongly registered will be deleted. But at the same time it will be ensured that no one is meted out with injustice. We also need to ensure intruders do not take advantage of our voters," Mr Paswan said. He noted that after every election, it was the Opposition that complained to the Election Commission about anomalies in voter lists. "EVMs are fine now, voter lists are an issue for them." The minister said the process will be implemented across the country eventually. "Intensive revision is necessary. Some deceased's names are on the list and it is continuing. By chance, it (SIR) is implemented in Bihar. In the coming days, it will be done in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu where elections are due, and eventually across the country." Responding to RJD MP Manoj Jha's suggestion about sending a fact-finding committee to Bihar to assess the law and order situation, Paswan said, "I am a Bihari. I need not send a committee to understand the situation in my state. I know the situation and therefore expressed concern." "When I raise the issue, they see my revolt. It is not a revolt, but a concern," he added. The LJP(RV) chief said the Opposition would like the NDA to split as it cannot win on its own strength and can win only by weakening the opposite side. On Operation Sindoor, Mr Paswan accused the Opposition of not sparing even the Army in order to target Prime Minister Modi. "Operation Sindoor was carried out by the Army not by a minister. Its success was due to the Army. I give credit to the PM as will power is necessary for giving approval for such a big decision. We kept in mind the sensitivity of the issue. To target Prime Minister Modi, they (Opposition) are putting a question mark on Operation Sindoor. What kind of thinking is this?" he said. The LJP chief said he has a problem with the Opposition having "faith in every foreigner" but not the government and politicians in India. "They believe what the prime minister of another country has said. They believe what the neighbouring country has said. But they don't want to believe what our Army and the democratically elected government are saying," he said. Mr Paswan also criticised the Opposition for demanding a special session of Parliament to discuss Operation Sindoor and then creating ruckus when it was convened. "When it was convened, what did they do? They created ruckus and proceedings were adjourned twice. Is this your priority?" he asked. "Politicising every issue is not a good sign. You raise questions to seek response on the issue, but don't use the platform for political benefit," the Union minister said.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Chirag Paswar predicts Nitish's return as CM after Bihar polls, backs NDA
Union minister and LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan on Monday said Nitish Kumar will take oath as Bihar Chief Minister again after the assembly elections to be held later this year. Paswan, the MP from Hajipur in Bihar, said the NDA is a "winning combination" for the elections and reiterated his commitment towards Prime Minister Modi.(PTI) Paswan's remarks came just two days after he expressed "regret" over having to support the Nitish Kumar government, which he alleged has "surrendered" before criminals. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, the Union food processing minister also accused the Opposition of targeting the Army to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Operation Sindoor. Paswan, the MP from Hajipur in Bihar, said the NDA is a "winning combination" for the elections and reiterated his commitment towards Prime Minister Modi. "Several times I have reiterated that my commitment and love is towards the Prime Minister. Under PM Modi's leadership, the elections (in Bihar) will be fought. After the election results, Nitish Kumar will again take oath as chief minister. Definitely he will be the chief minister," he said. On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, Paswan said this process has happened four times earlier with no difference, except that digital technology has been linked now. "Earlier, one used to go for physical documentation and now online you can submit," he said. The Union food processing minister pointed out that Aadhaar cards do not have place of birth clarity, adding that people can appeal at three levels if there are any problems. "Opposition created such noise on this issue. Have they given any proof to show if names have been removed wrongly?" he asked. "Only the one wrongly registered will be deleted. But at the same time it will be ensured that no one is meted out with injustice. We also need to ensure intruders do not take advantage of our voters," Paswan said. He noted that after every election, it was the Opposition that complained to the Election Commission about anomalies in voter lists. "EVMs are fine now, voter lists are an issue for them." The minister said the process will be implemented across the country eventually. "Intensive revision is necessary. Some deceased's names are on the list and it is continuing. By chance, it (SIR) is implemented in Bihar. In the coming days, it will be done in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu where elections are due, and eventually across the country." Responding to RJD MP Manoj Jha's suggestion about sending a fact-finding committee to Bihar to assess the law and order situation, Paswan said, "I am a Bihari. I need not send a committee to understand the situation in my state. I know the situation and therefore expressed concern." "When I raise the issue, they see my revolt. It is not a revolt, but a concern," he added. The LJP(RV) chief said the Opposition would like the NDA to split as it cannot win on its own strength and can win only by weakening the opposite side. On Operation Sindoor, Paswan accused the Opposition of not sparing even the Army in order to target Prime Minister Modi. "Operation Sindoor was carried out by the Army not by a minister. Its success was due to the Army. I give credit to the PM as will power is necessary for giving approval for such a big decision. We kept in mind the sensitivity of the issue. To target Prime Minister Modi, they (Opposition) are putting a question mark on Operation Sindoor. What kind of thinking is this?" he said. The LJP chief said he has a problem with the Opposition having "faith in every foreigner" but not the government and politicians in India. "They believe what the prime minister of another country has said. They believe what the neighbouring country has said. But they don't want to believe what our Army and the democratically elected government are saying," he said. Paswan also criticised the Opposition for demanding a special session of Parliament to discuss Operation Sindoor and then creating ruckus when it was convened. "When it was convened, what did they do? They created ruckus and proceedings were adjourned twice. Is this your priority?" he asked. "Politicising every issue is not a good sign. You raise questions to seek response on the issue, but don't use the platform for political benefit," the Union minister said.
