New Delhi (GNP): Protests have spread across India over changes to electoral rolls. Opposition parties and civil society groups are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and an end to the ongoing revision process.
The demonstrations are driven by fears that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists could exclude millions of eligible voters.
The exercise began in Bihar ahead of local elections and has since expanded to several Indian states and federally administered territories. Under it, voters must provide documents proving their eligibility to remain on the rolls.
The Election Commission defends the move, saying it is needed to keep voter records accurate and to ensure that only eligible citizens stay registered. Critics counter that the documentation requirements could create difficulties for poorer communities and for people who lack older official records.
Opposition groups go further, accusing the commission of favouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). They argue that the changes could remove voters more likely to back rival parties.
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The issue drew wider attention during West Bengal’s state elections. According to reports, a voter list revision there removed around nine million names, and critics said the deletions affected eligible voters. The BJP secured victory in the state.
The protests have also raised questions about the commission’s independence. Reports have suggested disagreements among election commissioners over some decisions on voter registration procedures and digital systems.
Against this backdrop, protesters, opposition parties and civil groups are seeking an inquiry into the process, greater transparency in the appointment of election commissioners, and suspension of the current revision exercise.
The dispute is expected to remain a major political issue as India prepares for upcoming state elections.
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
