Is There an 'Ulterior Motive' Behind the Hasty SIR Exercise in Kerala?
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Synopsis
Sunny Joseph, the president of the KPCC, has raised concerns regarding the State Election Commission's rapid decision to conduct SIR in Kerala, questioning its motives and timing. He argues that this could disenfranchise voters during crucial elections.
Key Takeaways
- Sunny Joseph criticizes the rapid SIR implementation.
- Concerns about political motivations behind the SIR.
- Call for deferring SIR until after local elections.
- Possible disenfranchisement of voters.
- Commitment to maintaining electoral integrity.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 27 (NationPress) The president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and MLA Sunny Joseph expressed strong criticism towards the State Election Commission, accusing it of making a rapid decision to conduct the Summary Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala that he deems “politically motivated and undemocratic.”
Joseph emphasized that the implementation of the SIR without prior discussion or consultation raises suspicions and is poorly timed, especially as preparations for local body elections are already in progress.
“This decision has been made in haste with ulterior motives. The Election Commission must promptly rectify this error. Conducting SIR amid election preparations is illogical,” he stated.
He reminded that the Congress had previously requested a postponement of the SIR exercise until after the local elections.
“The Chief Electoral Officer, considering the legitimate concerns raised by the Opposition, had written to the Central Election Commission, advocating for a delay. However, this recommendation was completely disregarded,” he said.
Describing this initiative as a violation of citizens’ democratic rights, he added that Congress only sought to remove ineligible names and add eligible voters to the rolls.
“Instead, basing the revision on the 2002 voters’ list is illogical,” he noted.
He questioned the logic behind requiring voters who registered over the last 23 years to repeat the same process. “What criteria or standards led to this stringent directive?” he asked, cautioning that this exercise could create significant confusion and disenfranchisement.
The KPCC president asserted that the Congress will continue to fight against any attempts to manipulate the electoral process for political gain.
“We are dedicated to preserving the integrity of Kerala’s democratic system,” he affirmed.
Earlier in Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced that the SIR exercise will be implemented in 12 states, including Kerala.
This process will commence on Tuesday in these states.
In the regions where SIR is being conducted, the current voters’ list will be frozen starting Monday.
Besides Kerala, the SIR will also be executed in Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, along with the Union Territories of Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands—covering a total of 12 regions in the first phase of this nationwide initiative.
According to the timeline, the draft electoral roll is set to be published on December 9.
The voter list revision in Kerala and the other participating states will occur between November 4 and December 4.
The final electoral rolls are scheduled for release on February 7.
This development coincides with the upcoming local body elections in Kerala and the Assembly elections slated for April/May next year.
Point of View
The issues surrounding the Summary Intensive Revision in Kerala reflect broader concerns about electoral integrity and democratic processes. While political parties naturally dispute electoral decisions, the focus should remain on ensuring fair access to the ballot for all eligible voters. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent electoral practices across the nation.
NationPress
28/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Summary Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Summary Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process aimed at updating electoral rolls to ensure accurate representation of eligible voters.
Why is the Congress opposing the SIR in Kerala?
The Congress party argues that the hasty decision to implement SIR is politically motivated and undermines the democratic rights of voters.
When will the SIR process begin in Kerala?
The SIR process in Kerala will commence on November 4 and will continue until December 4.
What are the potential impacts of the SIR exercise?
The SIR exercise may lead to confusion and potential disenfranchisement of voters if not handled carefully.
How does the SIR relate to upcoming elections?
The SIR is being conducted just before local body elections, raising concerns about its timing and implications for voter participation.
