Claims of rift within the Election Commission over SIR; report on 14 objections sparks political uproar

Claims of rift within the Election Commission over SIR; report on 14 objections sparks political uproar

The political landscape has once again been stirred up over the ‘Special Intensive Revision’ (SIR) process. A media report claims that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised objections to several decisions and directives over the past ten months. According to the report, a total of 14 objections were noted, with concerns raised regarding procedural changes, the addition or deletion of names from the electoral roll, and issues related to electoral data. Following the report’s release, the opposition questioned the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also reacted to the issue, urging the Supreme Court to take *suo motu* cognizance of the matter. Meanwhile, the Election Commission clarified its position, stating that all decisions—including those regarding SIR—were taken unanimously and with the approval of all three Election Commissioners. The BJP also dismissed the opposition’s allegations as a politically motivated attempt to create an issue.