# Kumaraswamy, Paswan seek EC clarification on SIR dispute

2026-09-26T12:41:33+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 4 independent outlets

Union minister HD Kumaraswamy and ally Chirag Paswan have asked the Election Commission to clarify reports of differences among its members over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Kumaraswamy said the facts should be placed before the public, while Paswan said the Chief Election Commissioner must defend the poll panel and remove doubts about electoral integrity. The Indian Express reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi objected at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions involving voters and registration procedures. The Election Commission has maintained that its decisions, including the SIR, were unanimous. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, meanwhile, demanded CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s arrest, dismissal and a re-verification, as Congress held protests in Bengaluru and other states. Kumaraswamy criticised the protests, saying they undermined a constitutional institution.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The coverage splits between opposition criticism and calls for institutional disclosure. The Economic Times leads with Shivakumar’s demand, while The New Indian Express gives prominence to Kumaraswamy’s accusation that Congress is politicising the issue. India TV and Hindustan Times present the NDA allies’ requests for clarification without endorsing the reported dissent. The common gap is that the dispute rests on media-reported objections, while the ECI’s public position is that decisions were unanimous. The Commission’s explanation of the 14 reported objections and the SIR process is the next concrete point to assess.

## Coverage

- economictimes.indiatimes.com (government critical) <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/arrest-and-dismiss-cec-karnataka-cm-dk-shivakumar-demands-action-amid-election-controversy/articleshow/134500930.cms>
  Leads with Congress demands for arrest, dismissal and re-verification
- indiatvnews.com (neutral report) <https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/hd-kumaraswamy-seeks-ec-s-clarification-on-dissent-row-actual-ground-reality-should-come-out-2026-09-26-1055363>
  Balances opposition allegations with NDA calls and ECI response
- newindianexpress.com (pro government) <https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2026/Sep/26/union-minister-kumaraswamy-urges-eci-to-reveal-facts-behind-rift-protect-its-dignity>
  Centres Kumaraswamyu2019s criticism of Congress protests
- hindustantimes.com (neutral report) <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chirag-it-s-not-for-government-or-parties-to-respond-ec-has-to-make-stand-clear-101790364204346.html>
  Reports allyu2019s concerns without endorsing resignation demands

Tags: Bengaluru, DK Shivakumar, Election Commission of India, Gyanesh Kumar, HD Kumaraswamy, Indian Express
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