In a sharp critique of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a coalition of civil society groups and prominent individuals has called for an immediate suspension of the exercise, alleging widespread exclusion of eligible voters and serious procedural lapses.
The joint statement, coordinated by Tara Rao (Eddelu Karnataka), Nadeem Khan (Association for Protection of Civil Rights), and Manthan (Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha), has been endorsed by over 250 signatories. These include former Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy, political economist Parakala Prabhakar, MKSS activist Nikhil Dey, Bharat Jodo Abhiyaan leader Yogendra Yadav, Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani, actor Prakash Raj, and activist Teesta Setalvad.
6.5 Crore Voters ‘Excluded’, Bengal Cited as Key Example
According to the statement, since the rollout of SIR in June 2025, nearly 6.5 crore eligible voters across 13 states have been removed from electoral rolls. West Bengal is cited as a key example, where around 35 lakh individuals who sought adjudication were allegedly denied verification, resulting in loss of voting rights.
Describing this as a “mass denial” of a fundamental democratic right, the signatories argue that the process is “flawed and mala fide.” They further claim that the exclusions have disproportionately affected women, migrant workers, nomadic communities, Adivasis, Dalits, and religious minorities, thereby altering the social composition of the electorate.
The statement questions the Election Commission of India’s stated objective of identifying “infiltrators,” asserting that the exercise has failed in its purpose while disenfranchising legitimate voters.
It also expresses “deep disappointment” with the Supreme Court for not yet intervening effectively, urging that hearings on SIR’s constitutional validity be concluded before any further elections are conducted.
Among the key demands are an immediate halt to SIR across all states, a comprehensive review of revisions already carried out, and the introduction of transparent rules with strict audit mechanisms in line with CAG standards if the process continues. The coalition has also called for the reconstitution of the Election Commission through parliamentary oversight, alleging institutional bias.
The statement further raises concerns about upcoming elections in states such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, warning against potential manipulation of electoral outcomes.
Concluding on a cautionary note, the signatories warn that continued disregard for constitutional principles could lead to widespread public mobilisation.
