What Did CEC Gyanesh Kumar Say About Aadhaar in the SIR Controversy?
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Synopsis
In a crucial press conference, CEC Gyanesh Kumar sheds light on the ongoing SIR controversy, addressing political parties' concerns regarding Aadhaar and the complaint process, amidst rising tensions in Bihar's electoral landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Electoral Process: Only electors can file complaints, with strict guidelines for non-electors.
- Aadhaar's Role: Aadhaar is not mandatory but can support voter registration.
- Legal Framework: The Supreme Court's decision may influence electoral procedures.
- Political Accountability: The Election Commission is committed to addressing complaints effectively.
- Ongoing Controversy: The SIR process is under scrutiny amidst political tensions in Bihar.
New Delhi, Aug 17 (NationPress) On Sunday, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar addressed significant issues raised by political factions concerning the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, providing clarity on the role of Aadhaar and the procedure for lodging complaints.
During a press conference responding to inquiries from IANS, the CEC emphasized that according to the Representation of the People Act (RPA), “any elector of the constituency has the right to file a complaint.”
He pointed out that individuals who are not electors cannot merely file objections; they may contribute as witnesses, but only if their submissions are backed by an oath taken before the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). “Simply registering a complaint is insufficient,” he stated, refuting claims of negligence towards bulk affidavits presented by opposition leaders.
The CEC's remarks came in response to allegations made by Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, who recently asserted that no action was taken post the submission of an affidavit relating to a voter fraud involving 18,000 votes during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission of disregarding such complaints, a claim that the electoral body strongly denies.
Regarding the Aadhaar matter, the Supreme Court is scheduled for a hearing on August 22, where the potential consideration of Aadhaar as supplementary documentation will be debated. CEC Gyanesh Kumar clarified that while Aadhaar is not a compulsory form of identification for inclusion on electoral rolls, individuals with grievances can submit their enumeration forms along with Aadhaar as corroborative evidence.
“The Election Commission has acknowledged this and adheres to the procedure accordingly,” he highlighted.
As the Supreme Court prepares to review the Aadhaar linkage issue later this week, the controversy surrounding the SIR initiative is expected to escalate within the politically charged atmosphere in Bihar.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the importance of the Election Commission's role in maintaining electoral integrity. CEC Gyanesh Kumar's clarifications reflect a commitment to transparency and accountability, crucial in a democratic setup. The ongoing discourse surrounding Aadhaar and electoral rolls emphasizes the need for a balanced approach in addressing stakeholders' concerns while upholding legal frameworks.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Can non-electors file complaints during the SIR?
No, only electors can file complaints. Non-electors may provide input as witnesses, but it must be supported by an oath before the Electoral Registration Officer.
What is the significance of the upcoming Supreme Court hearing?
The Supreme Court hearing on August 22 will discuss the potential role of Aadhaar as an additional document for electoral registration, which could impact the ongoing SIR process.
What allegations have been made against the Election Commission?
Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission of ignoring complaints related to voter fraud, which the Commission has strongly denied.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for inclusion in electoral rolls?
No, Aadhaar is not a mandatory document for inclusion; however, it can be submitted as supporting evidence alongside enumeration forms.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process aimed at updating and revising electoral rolls to ensure accurate representation in upcoming elections.
