Three NDA leaders have sought clarification from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding objections raised by two election commissioners to decisions related to the SIR. The concerns involve registration of new voters, changes to Form 6, and handling of voter data.
Three parties in the ruling National Democratic Alliance have expressed concern over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, following an investigation by The Indian Express that revealed objections from Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The commissioners reportedly objected 14 times in ten months to decisions related to the SIR, stating that some were taken without their knowledge. Their objections concerned matters such as registration of new voters, changes to Form 6, appeals against voter inclusion in West Bengal, and handling of voter data in Goa. In one written objection, Sandhu is quoted as stating that the poll panel had acted against their advice and described the action as ‘unauthorised and illegal’.
Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has called for the EC to dispel misgivings in the minds of people, stating that doubts about the electoral process are problematic. Telugu Desam Party Lok Sabha floor leader Lavu Srikrishna Devarayalu stated that the SIR had been conducted transparently in Andhra Pradesh but that clarifications were needed whenever questions were raised about its functioning. Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief and Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha has stated that there is an issue with the EC’s functioning. The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, has not yet commented on the investigation.
The Election Commission has stated that operational queries or inputs raised by commission members during draft stages are part of standard administrative practice to safeguard voter rights. They added that differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution and are a part of the decision-making process before a final decision is taken. However, they also stated that highlighting specific internal notes over ten months ‘while overlooking the much larger body of approvals, decisions, instructions, and initiatives give only one part of the picture’.
Since the exercise began in June 2025, the SIR has faced questions about its manner and pace, amid concerns that it could deny genuine electors their right to vote and shape election outcomes.
Source:
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