Union Minister Advocates for Special Intensive Review of Voter Lists
Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan, known as Lalan Singh, has voiced strong support for the Election Commission's Special Intensive Review of voter lists, aimed at ensuring fair elections by removing non-citizens and duplicate voters. He challenged the opposition's resistance, highlighting public support for the initiative. Singh emphasized that the review is constitutional and essential for strengthening democracy. Meanwhile, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi commented on the opposition's fears regarding election outcomes. The article also covers ongoing protests by the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance against the review in Bihar.
| Jul 26, 2025, 12:30 IST
Minister Supports Voter List Review
On Friday, Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan, also known as Lalan Singh, expressed his support for the Election Commission's initiative to conduct a Special Intensive Review (SIR) of voter lists. He emphasized the importance of this process in ensuring fair elections, arguing that it aims to remove names of non-citizens, duplicate voters, and those permanently residing abroad from the electoral rolls. Singh questioned the opposition's resistance and highlighted the public's backing for this initiative.
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While addressing journalists, Lalan Singh raised the question of whether elections should be held with fraudulent voters. He stated that the Election Commission's decision to conduct a special intensive review is crucial, as it ensures that only citizens are eligible to vote. He pointed out that names of individuals registered as voters in multiple locations will be removed. He questioned the rationale behind keeping the names of those permanently living abroad on the voter list, asserting that the SIR is in accordance with the Constitution.
The JD(U) leader stressed that this initiative will strengthen the roots of democracy, making it essential. He noted that voters across the country support this move. He challenged the opposition, asking, 'Why are you afraid?' In response to this issue, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi remarked that questions regarding the Election Commission and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) arise only when there is fear of losing elections. Joshi recalled similar issues surfacing after elections in Maharashtra, suggesting that the Congress party is making excuses ahead of an impending defeat.
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Earlier on Friday, members of the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) protested against the ongoing Special Intensive Review (SIR) of voter lists in the electoral state of Bihar. This protest, which has continued for the fifth consecutive day, took place at the Makar Gate of Parliament. Several senior Congress leaders, including Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi and party leader Priyanka Gandhi, participated in the demonstration.