Full Breakdown
Internal Dissent Over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Fuels a Political Storm in India
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Two Election Commissioners—Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi—filed 14 formal objections over ten months to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The objections, first reported on September 23, targeted decisions on voter addition, deletion, restoration and access to the EC’s voter-data software. Following the report, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s programmes in Meerut and Varanasi were postponed, with the Election Commission citing venue and logistical factors.
Background & Context
The SIR, launched on June 24 2025, is a nationwide clean-up of electoral rolls to remove ineligible, deceased, duplicate or shifted voters. It began in Bihar and was later extended to all states and Union Territories. Dr. Sandhu joined the commission on March 14 2024 after the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey; Vivek Joshi was appointed on February 17 2025 after Gyanesh Kumar became CEC.
Data & Statistics
- The Indian Express-based report recorded 14 formal objections by the two commissioners.
- The SIR has struck off more than 13 crore names from draft rolls.
- In Goa, 97 voters deemed eligible by local officers were omitted; 81 later submitted Form 6 for inclusion.
- Claim-filing in Delhi runs until October 30 with disposal by November 30; Maharashtra’s deadline is October 12 with disposal by November 10.
Official Statements & Responses
The Election Commission says all SIR orders, including the June 2025 order and state-wise schedules, were adopted with unanimous approval of the three commissioners. A press note noted that the Supreme Court upheld the declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR and that the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, apply when SIR is not underway. The Commission announced a review panel, headed by a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner and including an independent IIT/IIIT expert, to audit the ECINET system’s role-based access.
Criticism & Opposition
- Mamata Banerjee, former West Bengal Chief Minister, said an INDIA bloc meeting will likely convene in Delhi’s Constitution Club on September 30 to coordinate opposition action.
- M.A. Baby, CPI(M) General Secretary, called for an “INDIA Bloc-Plus” that includes civil-society groups, accusing the CEC of “misusing power.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I therefore do not think there is much controversy in this matter, particularly because the Election Commission itself has provided a clarification on the issue,” — Sarma, Assam Chief Minister
- “If CJP gives a real challenge, they can remove Kumar; no other political party can,” — Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Chief Minister
- “If the vote has been destroyed, then our Constitution has been destroyed.” — Rahul Gandhi, Opposition Leader
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Unanimity vs. Dissent: The Commission asserts unanimous SIR decisions, yet the September 23 report documents 14 objections, indicating internal disagreement.
- Form 6 Modification: Sandhu called a change to Form 6 “unauthorised and illegal,” while the Commission cites Supreme Court support for the Form 6 declaration.
- Scope of Access: Sandhu claimed state officials lacked “proper and complete access” to the ERONet portal; the review panel says field officers now have role-based access as per statutory powers.
What’s Next
- An INDIA bloc meeting is slated for September 30 in Delhi.
- The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has announced a nationwide protest on October 2 if CEC Gyanesh Kumar does not resign within 48 hours.
- The Election Commission will complete officers’ Annual Performance Appraisal Reports by December 31.
These developments highlight a rare public fissure within India’s top electoral authority, bringing legal, administrative and political dimensions together around the SIR exercise.