Is Kerala CM Vijayan Right to Question the Exclusion of 25 Lakh Voters in SIR Draft Rolls?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a striking development, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has raised alarm over the exclusion of 25 lakh voters from the draft electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision process. His warnings highlight potential threats to democratic foundations and the right to vote, leading to calls for transparency and accountability from the Election Commission.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala CM Vijayan raises concerns about voter exclusion.
- Nearly 25 lakh voters are reportedly omitted from draft rolls.
- The Election Commission faces criticism for lack of transparency.
- Voting is emphasized as a fundamental democratic right.
- A call for a review of the SIR process is made.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 19 (NationPress) Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed profound concerns regarding the execution of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, cautioning that this process could disenfranchise eligible voters and threaten the core principles of democracy.
In response to media reports indicating that nearly 25 lakh individuals have been omitted from the draft voter list created under the SIR, the Chief Minister articulated that the extent and nature of these removals are extremely troubling.
He noted that, in addition to deletions related to deceased individuals, permanent migrants, duplicate registrations, and untraceable voters, numerous names are being eliminated under an ambiguous 'others' category.
"Even the Election Commission seems to lack clarity on who falls under these 'others,'" Vijayan remarked, adding that the draft electoral rolls are fraught with significant inconsistencies.
He emphasized that the right to vote cannot be annulled for technical reasons, stating that voting is a fundamental democratic right that should be safeguarded for every adult citizen.
"To deny this right is to strike at the very roots of democracy," he cautioned.
Vijayan recalled that Kerala last underwent a Special Intensive Revision in 2002, when individuals under the age of 18 at that time—now citizens under 40—were required to provide lineage documents to be included in the voter list.
With the process still incomplete, available data suggests that nearly two lakh individuals per district remain outside the electoral rolls, he stated.
The Chief Minister accused the Election Commission of conducting the current revision without sufficient transparency.
He asserted that the Commission is accountable for the current predicament, having executed a complex and consultation-heavy voter list revision in undue haste, coinciding with local body elections.
The state government and political parties had previously requested a reevaluation of the process, citing pressure on Booth Level Officers, but these concerns were disregarded, Vijayan claimed.
He urged the Election Commission to ensure that no eligible voter listed in the September 2025 Special Summary Revision is excluded in the ongoing SIR exercise.
All information related to the SIR process must be made publicly available, he insisted.
The Chief Minister revealed that the state government has approached the Supreme Court to safeguard voters’ rights, noting that the apex court has already acknowledged the deficiencies and ordered corrective measures.
Calling for a thorough review of the process, Vijayan urged the Election Commission to prioritize inclusion over exclusion in the voter list revision.
Point of View
This situation reflects broader concerns about electoral integrity and the safeguarding of democratic rights. The ongoing debate emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in electoral processes, which are crucial for maintaining public trust in democracy. As the nation observes, it is imperative that all eligible voters have their rights protected.
NationPress
22/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process undertaken to update electoral rolls, ensuring that they accurately reflect eligible voters while addressing issues like duplicate registrations and untraceable individuals.
Why are 25 lakh voters excluded from the draft rolls?
The exclusion of 25 lakh voters from the draft rolls is primarily attributed to discrepancies identified during the SIR process, including deaths, migrations, and an undefined category of 'others' without clear criteria.
What actions is the Kerala government taking?
The Kerala government, under CM Vijayan's leadership, is demanding transparency from the Election Commission and has approached the Supreme Court to protect the rights of voters potentially affected by the SIR process.
How can voters ensure their rights are protected?
Voters can stay informed about the electoral roll updates, engage with local electoral offices, and advocate for transparency and fairness in the voter registration processes.
What are the implications of this issue for democracy?
The exclusion of eligible voters poses a serious threat to democratic principles, as it undermines the fundamental right to vote and can lead to disenfranchisement, affecting the electoral process.
