The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, has defended the practice of updating voter lists before elections, citing it as a legal requirement, amid criticism from opposition parties regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The statement was made in Firozabad, with specific focus on the SIR being conducted in Bihar. Kumar noted that opposition parties have historically raised concerns about voter list accuracy.
He elaborated that updating the voter list is mandated by law before every election. Furthermore, he pointed out that a thorough examination of voter lists and details hasn’t occurred since January 1, 2003. “This is standard procedure,” he said.
The CEC added that numerous political parties have previously voiced concerns about the authenticity of voter lists and requested updates. He confirmed that over 1 lakh booth-level officers are working on the update with the cooperation of all political parties, with the goal of preventing ineligible entries. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is undertaking the Special Intensive Revision to ensure the electoral rolls are accurate for upcoming elections.
Earlier, Congress leader Sachin Pilot voiced his concerns about the SIR in Bihar, questioning the Election Commission’s haste and calling for transparency. Speaking in Dausa, Rajasthan, Pilot indicated that the rapid actions of the Election Commission have raised significant doubts, citing the lack of satisfactory answers provided to opposition parties during their meetings with the EC.
Opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have expressed concerns about the potential misuse of the SIR process to disenfranchise voters, particularly those from vulnerable communities. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has responded by stating the process complies with Article 326 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act of 1950. The objective is to remove ineligible entries while safeguarding the inclusion of all eligible voters.