BJP allies seek Election Commission clarification on voter list objections

Three allies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) — have called for a clarification from the Election Commission regarding internal objections over voter list revisions.

The demand follows reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded at least 14 objections over a 10-month period. These objections concerned decisions made without their knowledge or recommendation, specifically regarding the handling of electoral roll additions and deletions, changes to the statutory voter registration Form 6, and centralized control over the electoral roll database.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan, leader of the LJP (Ram Vilas), stated that while he is not endorsing opposition allegations, the Commission must provide a forceful clarification to prevent a loss of public trust in the electoral system. RLM chief Upendra Kushwaha and TDP floor leader Lavu Srikrishna Devarayalu also emphasized the need for transparency to maintain confidence in the constitutional institution. Meanwhile, opposition parties have demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and a halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.