Leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc met in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss a joint response to issues surrounding the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge outlined six key demands, including rollback of SIR, use of pre-SIR electoral rolls in future elections and voting through ballot papers instead of EVMs.The meeting brought together leaders of several INDIA bloc parties, including Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, RJD, CPI(M), CPI, NCP(SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT). The parties also discussed a joint programme of protests and demonstrations over electoral-roll and Election Commission-related issues.What are the six demands raised by the INDIA bloc?The first demand is the rollback of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The bloc has also demanded that electoral rolls prepared before the SIR exercise be used for future elections, according to statements made at the meeting.The third demand is greater transparency in electoral-roll revisions. Kharge called for constituency-wise and booth-wise disclosure of additions, deletions and corrections made during revisions.The fourth demand concerns safeguards for voters whose names are proposed for deletion. The bloc has sought prior notice, reasons for deletion and an effective appeal mechanism so that voters can challenge the removal of their names from electoral rolls.The fifth demand is simpler registration procedures for first-time voters. Kharge raised concerns over additional requirements linked to Form 6 and said the registration process should not create unnecessary hurdles for young voters.The sixth demand is a return to ballot-paper voting instead of electronic voting machines. Kharge said the INDIA bloc should seek ballot voting, linking the demand to transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.Why is the SIR issue central to the opposition's demands?The Special Intensive Revision has become a major point of disagreement between opposition parties and the Election Commission. Kharge claimed that the revision process could lead to genuine voters being excluded and cited a figure of 13.3 crore names removed. The figure and the interpretation of the deletions are disputed in the wider political debate.The Election Commission has maintained that decisions relating to SIR were taken unanimously and that its orders and administrative directions have legal backing. The poll panel has also said that differences and observations during internal deliberations are part of the institutional process.On September 30, the Election Commission also withdrew an additional SIR-related declaration from Form 6 in states where the revision exercise had already been completed. In states and Union Territories where the process remains underway, the additional declaration continues to be available.What did the INDIA bloc decide on future protests?The meeting also produced a joint protest programme against the Election Commission. The bloc announced district-level “Save Democracy” marches and demonstrations from October 2 to October 8. Opposition MPs are scheduled to march to the Election Commission on October 6.The programme also includes a proposed meeting of Leaders of the Opposition with the President of India in the second week of October. In addition, the bloc has announced plans for five major rallies, with their dates and venues to be decided.The INDIA bloc's demands and allegations represent the position of the opposition parties. The Election Commission has defended the legal basis and procedure of its decisions. The dispute over SIR, electoral rolls, EVMs and the functioning of the poll panel is therefore continuing through political, institutional and legal channels.
