Full Breakdown
Election Commission of India faces internal dissent and political backlash over Special Intensive Revision
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Two Election Commissioners—Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi—recorded at least 14 objections to decisions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls over the past ten months. The Commission later asserted that all SIR orders had received unanimous approval from the three-member body. The clash between the recorded objections and the Commission’s claim of unanimity has sparked protests, impeachment notices, and legal petitions challenging SIR’s legality.
Background & Context
The SIR is a voter-list verification exercise aimed at removing ineligible names and updating registrations. The rollout began with an order on June 24, 2025, covering Bihar, West Bengal and 30 other states/UTs, with further phases on October 27, 2025 and May 14, 2026. The Supreme Court upheld the SIR order in a judgment dated May 27, 2026. Gyanesh Kumar, an IAS officer of the 1988 Kerala cadre, was appointed Chief Election Commissioner on February 17, 2025.
Data & Statistics
- 14 written objections lodged by Sandhu and Joshi.
- Approximately 13 crore voters removed from draft rolls across 30 states/UTs.
- In Goa, 97 voters were cleared for inclusion; 81 have submitted Form 6.
- 16.10 lakh appeals were filed in West Bengal alleging unauthorized deletions.
Official Statements & Responses
The Commission announced procedural reforms, including advance circulation of agendas, mandatory minutes, and a committee review of new IT modules.
Criticism & Opposition
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi demanded the CEC’s resignation, calling the actions “vote theft” and “treason.”
Congress officials Rajani Patil and Vinay Kumar labeled the CEC a “traitor” and urged his removal.
Impeachment notices were submitted on March 12, 2026 and April 24, 2026.
Student organization All India Students’ Association (AISA) staged protests demanding the CEC’s resignation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The Commission’s claim of unanimous SIR approval conflicts with the Indian Express report documenting 14 objections.
- The Commission states the Supreme Court “upheld” the Form 6 amendment, while the Court’s May 27 order does not expressly endorse the change.
These discrepancies raise questions about procedural safeguards.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
- A split-decision bench on September 23, 2026 referred the matter to a larger Constitution Bench.
- A public-interest litigation by Shailendra Mani Tripathi seeks a declaration that unilateral SIR actions are unconstitutional and the restoration of the original Form 6.
- Opposition parties have scheduled a coordinated protest on October 2, 2026 if the CEC does not resign.