Asaduddin Owaisi labels SIR electoral roll revision a backdoor NRC

AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has alleged that the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a “backdoor NRC”. He warned that the revised voter lists could eventually serve as the basis for implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC), potentially causing citizens to lose their voting rights and citizenship.

Owaisi expressed concern regarding the documentation burden placed on economically vulnerable voters and criticized the 2023 law governing the appointment of Election Commissioners, suggesting the constitutional body has come under executive control. He urged individuals receiving SIR notices to respond formally with required documents to avoid hardship.

In response to the controversy, Union Minister Giriraj Singh attacked Owaisi, labeling him a “new Jinnah” and accusing him of not believing in the Constitution. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised multiple objections regarding SIR procedures, though the Election Commission maintains its decisions are legal and unanimous.