Centre ready for debate on SIR after opposition's demands: Report
What's the story
The central government has agreed to a parliamentary debate on electoral reforms, especially the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, according to NDTV, which cited sources. The decision comes after opposition parties raised concerns over the re-verification process mandated by the Election Commission in all states. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju reportedly confirmed that while the government is open to discussions, it won't be bound by a specific timeline set by the opposition.
Voter roll concerns
Opposition criticizes SIR, alleges voter suppression
The opposition, with the Congress and Trinamool Congress (TMC) in particular, has slammed the SIR process. They allege it is a tactic to remove genuine voters from the rolls in a bid to influence election outcomes. The controversy intensified after recent elections in Bihar, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won post-SIR implementation. Despite allegations of collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission of India over this issue, both parties have been steadfast in their denial of any wrongdoing.
Legal backing
Supreme Court upholds Election Commission's authority
The SIR controversy earlier reached the Supreme Court, which had upheld the Election Commission's right to conduct reviews. Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised over pressure on booth-level officers (BLOs) to complete voter list re-verification. This issue gained attention after several BLOs died under tragic circumstances due to alleged work pressures. Media reports have put the number of deaths of BLOs at 32.
Ongoing protests
Protests and parliamentary disruptions over voter list issues
Protests erupted outside the Election Commission's Kolkata office as BLOs raised concerns about mental health and working conditions. In Parliament, opposition parties protested after Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan disallowed notices for discussions on SIR. Despite these disruptions, Rijiju urged opposition parties to refrain from disrupting proceedings, stressing that "people win and lose" in a democracy.