Did Former CEC O.P. Rawat Justify the Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls?
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Synopsis
In a recent statement, Former CEC O.P. Rawat defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, emphasizing its importance for cleansing the voter list. His remarks come amidst controversies surrounding the legitimacy of election mandates and allegations of vote theft.
Key Takeaways
- O.P. Rawat defends the necessity of SIR.
- The process is aimed at purifying the electoral rolls.
- Concerns about election legitimacy are dismissed.
- Rawat emphasizes the independence of the Election Commission.
- Recent controversies highlight political tensions.
New Delhi, Sep 16 (NationPress) Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) O.P. Rawat on Tuesday strongly defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll executed by the Election Commission, stating that this process “purifies” the voter list. Speaking to IANS in Bhopal, Rawat emphasized that SIR is a routine and vital operation carried out by the Election Commission.
“Before each election, a revision is necessary, and it is the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure it occurs. The results of these revisions have always been beneficial, as they cleanse the electoral rolls. Elections are then conducted based on that foundation,” Rawat affirmed.
He clarified that the notion of SIR being unnecessary had never been raised before.
“In earlier times, this was never a topic of debate, as there was no reason to question SIR,” he remarked.
Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of vote theft under the Commission’s observation, Rawat stated, “That inquiry should be directed at Rahul Gandhi himself.”
He further emphasized that the issue of SIR has no connection to any government, past or present. “This is solely between voters and the Election Commission,” he asserted.
Rejecting any uncertainties regarding the authenticity of election mandates, Rawat declared, “In all elections conducted so far, there is no room for doubt. Errors may occur, but whenever complaints arise, the Election Commission investigates promptly.”
When asked about the presence of opposition-led governments in various states and the Congress’s gains in other states, particularly in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, despite questioning the credibility of the poll panel, he said, “These results are not related to the Election Commission and thus cannot be commented upon,” Rawat concluded.
His remarks follow a controversy over the SIR in Bihar, where the opposition accused the poll panel of acting under the BJP's influence, while the ruling party praised the Commission for cleansing the voter list.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of O.P. Rawat's defense of the Special Intensive Revision process. His statements highlight the importance of maintaining electoral integrity and addressing concerns about voter legitimacy. It is essential to approach these discussions with a focus on transparency and the role of the Election Commission in upholding democratic values.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a routine process conducted by the Election Commission to update and purify the electoral rolls before elections.
Why is SIR important?
SIR is crucial as it helps ensure that the voter list is accurate and free from discrepancies, thereby maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
What allegations did Rahul Gandhi make?
Rahul Gandhi accused the Election Commission of allowing vote theft, which O.P. Rawat addressed by stating that such queries should be directed at Gandhi himself.
How does SIR relate to the Election Commission's responsibilities?
The Election Commission is mandated to conduct revisions like SIR to ensure that elections are fair and based on a legitimate voter list.
Has the SIR faced controversies?
Yes, the SIR has recently become a contentious issue, particularly in Bihar, where it was criticized by the opposition while being praised by the ruling party.
