Government Clarifies Stance on Special Intensive Review of Voter Lists

On Friday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju made it clear that the government is open to discussing any issue as per regulations, but discussions regarding the Special Intensive Review (SIR) cannot take place since it is a process conducted by the constitutional body, the Election Commission of India. Rijiju stated to a news agency, "I want to clarify that the government is ready to discuss any issue according to the rules. However, discussions on SIR cannot happen as it is a process carried out by a constitutional body, and this is not the first time this has occurred."

 

Another day of the monsoon session passed without any proceedings due to the opposition's demand for a discussion on the ongoing Special Intensive Review (SIR) of voter lists in both houses. Rijiju emphasized that the decision on this matter lies solely with the speakers of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, but official sources indicate that the government is unlikely to yield to the opposition's demands, with all factions of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) united against it.

 

Rijiju pointed out that SIR falls under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission. He remarked, "This is not the first time the Election Commission has undertaken such a process. Whether Parliament can discuss the administrative actions of the Election Commission is a decision for the speakers to make according to the rules." He noted that ministers related to the issues raised by members typically respond to concerns, questioning who could address matters concerning a constitutionally autonomous body like the Election Commission. He asserted that discussions cannot occur on matters that do not align with established rules and traditions.

 

The monsoon session of Parliament has faced disruptions due to opposition protests regarding the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar. The opposition claims that the SIR aims to disenfranchise voters in Bihar ahead of the assembly elections. They allege that this process of removing names from the voter list could be politically motivated, targeting marginalized communities and migrants.

 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the government of attempting to interfere with the voter lists in Bihar. In defense of the SIR process, the government stated that it is a transparent procedure involving participation from all political parties and extensive public engagement. The Election Commission of India has emphasized that names will not be removed without proper notification and written orders. The Commission is set to publish the draft voter list for Bihar, allowing claims and objections to be filed until September 1, 2025.

 

Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge and other opposition MPs have submitted suspension motions and Rule 267 notices demanding discussions on the SIR issue in both houses. Due to the opposition's protests and shouting, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been adjourned multiple times. Earlier, Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to raise the issue of the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of voter lists in the electoral state of Bihar.