EC Defends SIR in Supreme Court, Cites Parties’ Concerns Over Voter List Errors

Quick Summary

• The Election commission of India (ECI) is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls to address concerns about inaccuracies raised by political parties and restore public confidence.
• complaints from various political parties, including Congress, BJP, AIADMK, and AAP, have cited issues such as inclusion of ineligible voters (deceased or non-citizens), exclusion of eligible voters, and manipulation during past elections.
• as per the ECI affidavit submitted in Supreme Court on July 21:

– The SIR involves ground-up preparation of electoral rolls rather than a summary revision process that has limitations.
– Nearly two decades without intensive revisions necessitated this rigorous exercise for foundational accuracy.​

• Opposition attacks led by Congress include allegations that voter lists were manipulated in Karnataka for the Lok Sabha elections last year and during state polls in Maharashtra and Haryana.
• Approximately 66 lakh names are expected to be struck off Bihar’s draft electoral roll due to reasons like deceased individuals, migration out of the state, duplicate registrations, or incomplete enumeration forms.
• Booth Level Agents numbering around 1.5 lakh have been appointed by political parties to aid Booth Level Officers with corrections.

indian Opinion Analysis

The Election Commission’s decision for an intensive overhaul via the Special Intensive Revision reflects both a response to longstanding complaints across party lines and an effort toward enhanced electoral transparency. With nearly two decades without foundational revisions per ECI analysis-addressing gaps overlooked in simpler summary revision methods-it underscores the growing demand for accuracy amidst India’s dynamic socio-economic changes affecting voter mobility.

While opposition allegations over manipulation persist-possibly escalating tensions surrounding biased practices-the initiative seeks inclusivity through professional mechanisms such as appointing Booth Level Agents linked directly with ground operations. If implemented effectively under judicial scrutiny-including oversight amid significant deletions-it could bolster institutional trust ahead amidst continuing governance/election dynamics vital pillar thriving democracy.

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Read more: The Hindu