Shashi Tharoor Demands SIR Suspension, Seeks CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has outlined the opposition’s demands over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI). He said a tangible victory would be restoring the voting rights of Indian citizens, alleging widespread voter deletions and irregularities in the revision process.

In an interview, Tharoor called for suspending the SIR exercise, reviewing the software used to manage electoral rolls and seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He also warned that the opposition could pursue impeachment if the CEC did not step down.

Opposition Seeks Review of Electoral Roll Process

Tharoor’s demands centre on concerns about electoral roll accuracy and the potential exclusion of eligible voters. The opposition has called for a review of the systems and procedures used during SIR, arguing that protecting citizens’ voting rights is essential to electoral integrity.

Advertisement

The allegations of voter deletions and irregularities remain claims made by the opposition and require assessment against official records and relevant findings. The Election Commission’s procedures and any available responses are important to understanding the dispute.

Tharoor said the opposition would continue pursuing the issue, stressing that elections must provide a level playing field for all political parties and eligible voters.

Jantar Mantar Protest Site Also Under Scrutiny

The Congress leader also criticised the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. He described the move as an attempt to shift dissent away from public view.

Referring to demonstrations across central Delhi, Tharoor highlighted the importance of allowing citizens to express their concerns publicly. The issue adds another dimension to the opposition’s criticism, extending beyond electoral rolls to the space available for public protest.

Electoral Integrity Remains Central to Demands

Tharoor reiterated that restoring electoral integrity is essential to democracy. His demands include suspending SIR, reviewing electoral roll software and pursuing action against the Chief Election Commissioner.

The next steps depend on the opposition’s course of action, the Election Commission’s position and any legal or parliamentary proceedings that may follow. The broader debate concerns how electoral rolls can be scrutinised while ensuring that eligible citizens retain their right to vote.

For official information on election procedures, visit the Election Commission of India.