Congress Raises Fresh Questions Over Voter Roll Revision

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has criticised the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the exercise has resulted in large-scale deletion of voter names. He described the process as a “Shah Instigated Removal” and claimed that economically and socially disadvantaged sections have been disproportionately affected.

Ramesh further claimed that 7.8 crore voter names were deleted during the first two phases and that additional deletions and notices have been reported during the ongoing phase. The Election Commission, however, says SIR is intended to ensure that all eligible citizens are included while removing ineligible, duplicate, deceased and permanently shifted electors, with procedures for claims, objections and appeals.