Bihar is a crucial election battleground state where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party has only ever governed in a coalition. Poll results there could likely impact the balance of power in India's Parliament, where Modi's government relies on coalition partners, including a regional party from Bihar.
India's opposition accuses the Election Commission of India of rushing through a mammoth electoral roll revision, saying the exercise could render vast numbers of citizens unable to vote. The revision of nearly 80 million voters involves strict documentation requirements from citizens, triggering concerns it could lead to the exclusion of vulnerable groups.
Critics and opposition leaders say the exercise will impact minorities the most, including Muslims, and disallow them from voting. The election agency has denied the allegations and said it has ensured no eligible voter is "left behind." Modi's BJP has backed the revision.
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