Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is facing mounting criticism amid allegations that electoral roll revisions have disproportionately affected Muslim voters and other minority communities, sparking protests across India.
The controversy centres on the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, an exercise aimed at verifying voter registrations and removing duplicate, deceased or otherwise ineligible entries. Critics allege that the process has led to the exclusion of millions of eligible voters and could disproportionately affect marginalised communities. Opposition parties and activists have questioned the transparency of the exercise and raised concerns about its potential impact on voting rights.
The Election Commission maintains that the revision is intended to ensure accurate voter lists and has said that eligible voters whose names are wrongly excluded can seek their inclusion. The BJP has also rejected allegations that the exercise is politically motivated.
Protests have intensified in several parts of the country, with opposition leaders and activists demanding greater transparency, protection of eligible voters’ rights and accountability from election authorities. The controversy has triggered a wider debate over electoral fairness, minority representation and the integrity of India’s democratic process.
