The Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, which even approached the Supreme Court but failed to secure relief. Despite this, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has continued to campaign alleging “vote theft”.
With the SIR exercise expected to be carried out across states, chief ministers of opposition-ruled states are now seen recalibrating their position. The shift comes as concerns rise that supporters’ names could be deleted during the revision.
In Punjab, where Assembly elections are due in February next year, the Election Commission has begun SIR work. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of the Aam Aadmi Party has urged people to take part, warning that if a name is removed from the voter list, beneficiaries may not receive government support such as old-age assistance and ration-linked benefits.
A similar message has been issued in Karnataka, where the SIR exercise is also underway. Congress leader and Chief Minister Shivakumar has said those removed from the voter list would not get government assistance.
However, the report notes that voter identity cards are not directly linked to welfare schemes. Voter ID is only one form of identification, and beneficiaries can use alternatives such as a ration card or Aadhaar for scheme-related verification.
