EC Note on SIR Row Draws Mixed Political Response

The Election Commission's weekend press note on its internal decision-making has reignited a political dispute, with the ruling BJP describing the matter as settled and the Congress insisting that central questions remain open.

The note followed a meeting at Nirvachan Sadan on Saturday afternoon involving Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. It stated that orders for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) were issued with the unanimous approval of the Commission.

Addressing a letter reportedly written by Joshi and Sandhu to the Cabinet Secretary, the Commission said the communication did not concern any policy matter of the Commission or its IT division, but related to the working of an officer on deputation to the poll body. It added that contentious work redistribution orders issued by that officer were never implemented.

The clarification came after a media report on September 23 said the two commissioners had recorded at least 14 objection notes on decisions linked to the SIR.

BJP MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra, speaking in Bhubaneswar, said the statement addressed allegations that the Commission was divided and that the BJP was using it for its own defence. He said meetings with the Cabinet Secretary are formally recorded and described such interactions as routine administrative procedure. Party social media head Deepak Mhaskey and BJP president Nitin Nabin also welcomed the note.

Allies that had earlier sought clarity also backed the Commission. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu called the unanimous clarification a reaffirmation of the integrity of constitutional institutions that puts misconceptions to rest. Union Minister Chirag Paswan of the LJP said the point-by-point position strengthens public trust in democracy.

The Congress, however, termed the note "too lame, too little, too late". MP and spokesperson Pawan Khera said it confirmed the media report was accurate while leaving the central questions unanswered. He repeated Rahul Gandhi's demand that Gyanesh Kumar resign or turn approver in the alleged voter manipulation case.

The party flagged three issues. On Form 6, it said two commissioners had opposed the changes, calling them unauthorised and illegal. The Commission said the declaration attached to Form 6 for the SIR has been upheld by the Supreme Court, and that forms under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 will apply for the non-SIR period. The Congress asked about young voters left out in Bihar and West Bengal, where SIR preceded elections without an intervening Special Summary Revision.

The Commission said the SIR has been completed in 20 states or Union Territories, including Bihar and West Bengal, and that those excluded may apply to the electoral registration officer under continuous updation. On the ECINET portal, it said a committee will review compliance with the relevant Acts and Rules. The opposition INDIA bloc is also planning a removal notice against the Chief Election Commissioner.