Is There Opposition to the SIR Drive in Bihar? A Plea in SC for Statewide Revision!
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Synopsis
In a crucial plea to the Supreme Court, Ashwini Upadhyay calls for a statewide revision of electoral rolls akin to the ongoing SIR drive in Bihar, emphasizing the need to uphold voter integrity amidst rising illegal immigration.
Key Takeaways
- Importance of voter integrity
- Concerns over illegal immigration
- Impact of demographic changes on elections
- Calls for nationwide electoral roll revision
- Legal implications of protecting infiltrators
New Delhi, July 9 (NationPress) Amid a series of petitions lodged in the Supreme Court contesting the current Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative in Bihar, prominent Delhi BJP leader and esteemed lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay has submitted a petition to the Apex Court advocating for the drive and urging that similar revisions be executed in every state approaching elections.
He emphasized that this rigorous revision is essential to maintain the integrity of the voters' list and prevent illegal immigrants from influencing the electoral process.
Speaking to IANS, Upadhyay expressed his desire for the court to instruct relevant authorities to conduct an intensive revision of electoral rolls in all states and Union Territories preparing for elections.
He pointed out that India is currently hosting over 5 crore illegal migrants, including individuals from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Rohingyas, who have entered and settled in the country using fraudulent documents.
"If they acquire voting rights, it could dilute legitimate votes and enable infiltrators to meddle in the democratic process," he warned.
This plea arises amidst numerous appeals submitted to the Apex Court by opposition parties and various NGOs, claiming that the Election Commission's SIR drive is both discriminatory and divisive. They have also accused the Election Commission of attempting to disenfranchise millions of voters through this initiative.
In light of the Bihar elections, Ashwini Upadhyay noted that the Seemanchal region, which borders Bihar, has experienced a significant influx of Bangladeshis over the years, drastically altering the area's demographic landscape.
“Every constituency in the state reportedly has seen an influx of approximately 8,000-10,000 illegal migrants, leading to discrepancies of around 2,000-3,000 votes. This could severely impact electoral results, especially since victory margins in many districts can be as low as a few hundred votes,” he added.
He insisted that governments that permit illegal immigration must be held accountable.
“Unless those who protect these infiltrators are prosecuted under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the National Security Act (NSA), such blatant violations will persist,” he stated.
Point of View
It is imperative to ensure the integrity of electoral processes. The call for intensive revisions of voter rolls seeks to address growing concerns about illegal immigration and its potential impact on democracy. It is crucial to balance safeguarding the electoral system while ensuring that legitimate voters are not disenfranchised. The ongoing discussions highlight the complexities of immigration and its intersection with electoral integrity.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SIR drive in Bihar?
The SIR drive in Bihar refers to the Special Intensive Revision initiative aimed at updating and verifying the electoral rolls to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the voters' list.
Who is Ashwini Upadhyay?
Ashwini Upadhyay is a prominent Delhi BJP leader and lawyer known for his advocacy on electoral integrity and legal reforms.
Why are there petitions against the SIR drive?
Opposition parties and NGOs have filed petitions against the SIR drive, claiming it is discriminatory and could disenfranchise legitimate voters.
What are the concerns regarding illegal immigration?
Concerns include the potential dilution of legitimate votes and the influence of illegal immigrants on the democratic process.
What actions does Upadhyay propose?
Upadhyay proposes that similar intensive revisions of electoral rolls should be conducted in all states and Union Territories preparing for elections.
