India political dispute erupts over voter list revision

Political tensions in India have escalated over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Jairam Ramesh, General Secretary of the Congress party, accused the RSS and BJP of controlling the electoral system through the Election Commission. Citing an economic news analysis, Ramesh claimed that voter numbers in 31 states and union territories have dropped to near 2015 levels following the SIR process. He alleged that over 130 million voters were removed during the draft phase, noting significant decreases in Maharashtra and Delhi.

In response, Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar criticized protests against the SIR, labeling them the ‘grammar of anarchy.’ He accused opposition parties of attempting to create distrust among citizens regarding a process that he claims is transparent and follows established legal protocols. Shelar urged opponents to use constitutional and judicial channels rather than street demonstrations to address grievances, maintaining that the Election Commission remains an independent constitutional body.