Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram on Monday attacked the Election Commission of India over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Chidambaram claimed the exercise could create a new class of non-voting citizens across India, raising concerns about voting rights.
His remarks came after former diplomat Navdeep Suri said he faced problems during the SIR process in Punjab.
Concerns Over Electoral Roll Revision Process
P. Chidambaram has voiced strong criticism of the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He claims that the ECI is effectively creating a new category of citizens who, despite having citizenship, may be denied their voting rights. Chidambaram stated, “Based on the outcomes so far, at the end of the S.I.R. process, 10% of India’s adult population will be ‘citizens’ but without the right to vote, thanks to the ECI. That is nearly 10 crore people. The ECI has created a new category of ‘non-voting citizens.'”
In response to these concerns, Suri, a former diplomat, raised questions about the verification process, highlighting that if a person with extensive diplomatic experience encounters difficulties, it raises concerns for ordinary citizens.
The Punjab Chief Electoral Officer has attempted to alleviate worries among voters, stating that receiving a notice during the SIR process should not be a cause for alarm. Voters are encouraged to verify their details, submit the necessary documents, and complete the verification process. “As part of the ongoing SIR process, notices are being delivered to voters where required. Received a notice? Don’t worry! Simply check the details, submit the required documents, and complete the process,” the Punjab CEO reassured voters via a post on X.
