BJP Discovers Aadhaar Abyss in Bihar Ahead of Polls

Bihar’s Special Electoral Roll Revision Stirs Political Cauldron

By MANISH ANAND

NEW DELHI, July 10, 2025 — Brushing aside suggestions of rifts within the Mahagathbandhan, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi mounted an open truck yesterday to share the stage with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, asserting a united front against incumbent Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Gandhi joined the opposition’s growing attack on the Election Commission’s (EC) special intensive electoral roll revision, after the CPI (ML) and RJD had already laid the political groundwork in Bihar.

Within BJP’s WhatsApp groups, defensive messages have begun circulating in support of the EC’s exercise. One such message claimed: “While Bihar’s average Aadhaar saturation stands at 94%, the numbers from Muslim-dominated districts are shocking. Kishanganj (68% Muslim population) – 126% Aadhaar saturation; Katihar (44%) – 123%; Araria (43%) – 123%; and Purnia (38%) – 121%.”

The post further argued that the data suggests “over 120 Aadhaar cards for every 100 people” in these districts.
“Who are these extra Aadhaar cards being issued to—and why? This also explains why the opposition and the Leftist lobby are so eager to push Aadhaar as proof of citizenship,” it added.

Ironically, just months ago during the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, BJP leaders had actively supported Aadhaar seeding of voter cards. “Once voter cards are seeded with Aadhaar, those from Bihar holding two such cards will have to surrender one — the one for Delhi,” a senior BJP functionary had remarked.

After its victory in Delhi, the saffron party now appears to be weaponizing Aadhaar data to cast doubt over fictitious holders, despite the fact that Aadhaar carries an explicit disclaimer that it is not proof of citizenship. Yet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure, Aadhaar has become the most sought-after identity document — needed for everything from staying at an ashram to buying a mobile phone SIM, opening bank accounts, or booking Tatkal train tickets.

Meanwhile, Bihar is grappling with a surge in financial fraud, with cybercriminals—often dubbed Aadhaar-enabled fraudsters—targeting bank accounts across the state. Victims are left helpless, as police complaints go largely unattended. The scale of these frauds has reached alarming proportions, eroding public trust.

Sources say the BJP’s Bihar poll strategy team, operating largely out of Delhi, has underestimated the deep-seated aversion among Biharis—across castes and communities—toward document-based demands. Securing official documents in Bihar often involves bribes or bureaucratic hurdles, leaving people disillusioned. Now, with the EC’s demand for documentary proof, BJP faces a potential backlash.

(This is an opinion piece, and views expressed are those of the author only)

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About The Author

Manish Anand

Manish Anand is a senior journalist with more than two decades of hardcore reporting on beats such as Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, BJP, Congress, Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, and scores of Union Ministries.

His past has been with The New Indian Express, The Asian Age/Deccan Chronicle, and The Statesman.

For about 15 years, Manish was also a regular commentator and host for talks on AIR on foreign affairs.

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