Congress rejects EC clarification on SIR as NDA allies rally behind poll panel
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission's latest SIR clarification drew sharply divided political reactions on Saturday. The Congress demanded a suspension, while BJP allies said the statement addressed concerns they raised a day earlier.
The poll panel said all SIR orders had unanimous approval from its three members. It said the Supreme Court had upheld changes linked to Form 6.
The Commission said letters from Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi to the Cabinet Secretary concerned an officer on deputation. It said they did not concern policy or the Commission's IT division.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh described the Commission as being in "damage control". He said the press note did not directly deny findings reported by The Indian Express.
Ramesh demanded the SIR's immediate suspension and said Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar should resign or face prosecution. Congress media department head Pawan Khera said the note left questions about Form 6 unanswered.
The party's claims of targeted deletions and disenfranchisement remain allegations and were not independently verified.
NDA allies welcomed the clarification after seeking greater transparency on Friday. Union minister Chirag Paswan said the Commission had answered key questions about the SIR, unanimity among commissioners and the Cabinet Secretary meeting.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the clarification reaffirmed the credibility of constitutional institutions. JD(U) working president Sanjay Jha accused the Opposition of spreading misconceptions.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said any wrongdoing should be investigated. He criticised challenges to constitutional institutions based on election results.
The Commission also announced an ECINet review involving an independent IIT or IIIT expert. It promised advance circulation of meeting agendas and measures to ease procedures for voters issued notices.
In Maharashtra, the Commission extended the deadline for filing SIR claims and objections from September 30 to October 12. Disposal will continue until November 10, and the final electoral roll is scheduled for November 16.
The qualifying date for Maharashtra remains October 1, 2026.
