NEW DELHI: Political tensions are escalating in India over the special revision of electoral rolls, with demands for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner gaining momentum. Thousands of citizens and opposition supporters have taken to the streets to protest the removal of names from voter lists.
The opposition alleges that a large number of voters have been removed from electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Indian media reports say the exercise has affected millions of voters across several states.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with Maharashtra leaders Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray, has also raised objections to the Election Commission’s handling of the issue. Protests have been reported in several areas, with clashes between police and demonstrators and the detention of a number of protesters.
Differences Reported Within Election Commission
Reports have also emerged of disagreements within India’s Election Commission over the revision of electoral rolls. Some election commissioners are reportedly said to have raised objections to decisions taken by the Chief Election Commissioner.
The opposition has further alleged that evidence of irregularities involving electoral rolls and related software was submitted to senior government officials. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
Claims of Large-Scale Deletions in Delhi and Maharashtra
Opposition parties claim that large numbers of voters were removed from electoral rolls in Delhi, Maharashtra and other areas during the revision process. They are demanding that the names of eligible voters be restored to the electoral lists.
The process surrounding Form 6, used for voter registration, has also come under scrutiny. Questions have been raised before the Indian Supreme Court over the procedure through which changes were made to the voter registration form.
The opposition maintains that any revision of electoral rolls must be transparent and should not deprive eligible citizens of their right to vote. The Election Commission, meanwhile, has defended the revision process, saying that electoral rolls need to be reviewed and updated to ensure their accuracy.
