SIR process is based on Constitutional framework: Centre

The Union Government on Monday (December 15, 2025) defended the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the Rajya Sabha and said the guiding principle for the exercise was universal adult franchise. During a discussion on electoral reforms, the Opposition, meanwhile, continued to attack the Centre over the SIR.

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Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said elections were not being held in a transparent manner as the BJP wanted to establish a ‘fascist state’ without elections. Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda said the Opposition would continue to get defeated in elections if it tarnished the image of the Election Commission every time. Senior Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala demanded that the Chief Justice of India continue to be a part of the committee to select the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.

Participating in the debate, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the SIR was based on the constitutional framework created by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Quoting Dr. Ambedkar, he said the revision of the voters’ list was based on the principle of one person, one vote, which was a major pillar of election reforms. “Our constitution and electoral process is based on this principle. So, when under SIR, the same is being undertaken to take out people who are not eligible from voter lists, why are they [Opposition parties] opposing it?” the Minister asked, and cited precedence that SIR took place under various governments earlier.

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Mr. Gowda said every party had lost elections, but never mocked any Prime Minister or public institution. “India is a very big country. A large country…Remember my friends, please, by using the words ‘vote chori’ you are going to suffer in the coming days,” he added. “The Election Commission and the Supreme Court are there to handle these matters. The Election Commission has issued directions to all State units to rectify any issues,” the former Prime Minister said.

Mr. Surjewala said the SIR was a ‘selective ideological removal’ and added that Dr. Ambedkar had wanted that the EC should not be under the executive and that the right to vote should be a fundamental right. “The Election Commission which cannot prepare a list of voters indiscriminately, such ‘jebi’ [pocketed] EC should not hold office for even one day,” Mr. Surjewala quipped. He added that if voters’ names were removed based on ideological choices, it would be the last nail in the coffin of democracy. “The right to vote cannot be taken away as voting is the final test of democracy and bribing ahead of elections decimates the election process,” the Congress leader said.

Also Read | Opposition demands change in selection panel for Election Commissioners

Electoral bonds

Taking up the issue of electoral bonds, Mr. Surjewala said the EC did not allow a level playing field in donations to political parties and the BJP used the investigating agencies to get donations to the party. Demanding reconstitution of the search committee to appoint the CEC and ECs with Chief Justice as a member, he said there would be a level playing field only after reconstitution of the committee. He also demanded that elections through ballot paper. Till the implementation of this, the Congress MP said all voters should get VVPAT slips to ensure transparency.

Mr. Digvijaya Singh said the SIR was for establishing a fascist dictatorship in the country without elections. He demanded removal of the ceiling on electoral expenses to ensure transparency in the election process. He said elections in Karnataka, Haryana, and Maharashtra were not held in transparent manner. On the SIR, the Congress leader added that poll officers were seeking several documents to prove citizenship. “We are being questioned regarding citizenship… matriculation certificate is being demanded from voters… whether citizenship is being ascertained or a voter list is being prepared? When the Election Commission carries out summary revision four times a year, then what is the need for the SIR?,” he asked.