Opposition leaders, especially the Congress, have accused the BJP of exploiting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls for their advantage. They raised concerns about the validity of elections if deleted voters are reinstated after filing appeals. The Supreme Court supported the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) authority to conduct the SIR to uphold electoral process integrity.
Congress MP Imran Masood emphasized the importance of preventing misuse while acknowledging the ECI’s right to carry out the SIR. He highlighted instances where Form 7, used to challenge voter inclusions, was allegedly abused, affecting the electoral process. Masood questioned the credibility of elections if voters regain their rights post-election due to pending appeals.
Form 7 allows objections to voter inclusions based on various grounds like death, duplication, or ineligibility. Masood urged the Supreme Court to take strict action against fraudulent use of Form 7 and emphasized the need for time-bound processes to avoid disruptions in electoral rolls. The opposition also criticized the ECI for alleged irregularities in the SIR, questioning the impact on democracy.
Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision but highlighted discrepancies in the SIR process. He pointed out instances where individuals listed as deceased were later found alive, raising doubts about the accuracy of voter lists. Singh acknowledged corrections made but emphasized the need for transparency and accuracy in electoral procedures.
MP Pappu Yadav raised concerns about individuals removed from voter lists, questioning the government’s actions towards them. He criticized the ECI for allegedly favoring a specific political party by deleting names of the underprivileged. Yadav questioned the validity of elections if disenfranchised individuals regain voting rights post-election, echoing concerns raised by other opposition members.
Chhattisgarh Congress President Deepak Baij cited irregularities in the SIR process, referring to Mamata Banerjee’s opposition to it in West Bengal. He highlighted ongoing concerns about the fairness and transparency of the revision process, despite legal validations. The opposition’s critique of the SIR process reflects broader apprehensions about electoral integrity and fairness.
