Bihar Voter List Revision 2025: Katihar DM Suspends Barsoi BDO Over Misinformation
In a decisive move during the ongoing revision of the Bihar voter list for the 2025 polls, the District Magistrate of Katihar has suspended the Block Development Officer of Barsoi. This step followed credible accusations that the BDO had circulated false information about the updating of the electoral roll in his jurisdiction.
District sources indicate that the officer submitted inaccurate figures regarding the voter-list revision. Complaints of inconsistencies and irregular entries arose after his data was used in the public-awareness and verification campaign. Once the initial inquiry substantiated the allegations, the DM issued the suspension order without delay.
The action arrives at a critical juncture, as the Election Commission of India has mandated all district officials to carry out the voter-list revision honestly and transparently before the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Election authorities are now under strict orders to ensure that every eligible voter is included and that no ineligible names linger on the rolls.
Residents of the Barsoi block, where the irregularities were first noted, had complained for weeks about names that had vanished from the draft voter rolls and about duplicates that appeared without explanation. Political party representatives also reached senior district officials, arguing that the recent door-to-door verification had been marred by misinformation and careless record-keeping.
In response to those grievances, the District Magistrate of Katihar ordered an immediate review. That probe concluded that the Block Development Officer had neither supervised the canvassing teams nor corrected obvious errors; as a consequence, some voters risk losing their eligibility in upcoming elections. Viewing the situation as serious, the DM suspended the BDO while the inquiry proceeds.
Administrative authorities now emphasize that the suspension is meant to prevent further problems, not to prejudge the officer involved. In the meantime, a senior subordinate has been given temporary responsibility for Barsoi so that the revision of the electoral list can go forward without further interruptions.
The Election Commission, for its part, insists that public confidence depends on clear processes and truthful records, and it will sanction any employee who fails those standards. District officials in Katihar are also urging every citizen to check their data online and immediately report any inconsistency, so that no one is caught off guard on polling day.
In accordance with the Election Commission's directions, Bihar is currently revising its electoral rolls in preparation for the 2025 elections. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are moving from house to house, collecting application forms, facilitating corrections and deletions, and registering new voters. Once all submissions are verified, the updated official list will be published.
An episode in Barsoi has underscored the urgent need for constant oversight and clear accountability among field staff administering this revision. Election officials contend that the swift disciplinary action taken there will remind every government employee that negligence or misconduct will receive a firm response during such a vital democratic period.
In response, the district administration is implementing corrective measures designed to rebuild public confidence in the entire procedure. Additional awareness initiatives—including outreach camps, media campaigns, and direct interaction—are being launched to ensure citizens understand their voting rights and the timelines involved.
As the State prepares for the approaching election cycle, the ongoing voter list revision stands as a fundamental safeguard for electoral integrity. The prompt suspension of Barsoi Block Development Officer by the Katihar District Magistrate confirms that authorities regard any breach of public trust very seriously.
