OP Rawat criticizes SIR process for depriving citizens of voting rights

Former Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat has criticized the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, stating that it has caused significant difficulties for citizens and deprived many of their right to vote. Speaking in Bhopal, Rawat noted that the issue is not politically motivated but centers on the disenfranchisement of voters, citing instances from Bihar to West Bengal.

Rawat emphasized that the Election Commission should make decisions based on consensus or majority, suggesting that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar cannot make unilateral decisions if other members disagree.

In Mumbai, Congress legislator Amin Patel accused the Election Commission of attempting to conceal information regarding the SIR process. Patel called for the immediate resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, labeling the removal of names from voter lists under the SIR as a direct attack on the Constitution. Patel stated that the matter is a national concern rather than one limited to the Congress or INDI alliance.