Election Commission signals nationwide SIR, Karnataka response remains uncertain

Defending the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls amid ongoing controversy, Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner of India, said the exercise had been “completely successful”, citing Bihar as its most definitive example.

In a video message delivered during the 16th National Voters’ Day event in Bengaluru organised by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Karnataka, he said the SIR had ensured that every eligible elector was included in the rolls while eliminating inaccuracies. 

The event was attended by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao and Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka, V. Anbukkumar. 

Across states

The Chief Election Commissioner said the SIR had already been completed in Bihar and was currently underway in 12 states and Union Territories, adding that it would be rolled out across all states. Pointing to Bihar, he said no application had been filed against the final electoral roll there, which, according to him, established its sanctity and credibility. 

Following the Election Commission of India’s remarks that the SIR of electoral rolls would be implemented across the country, Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer Anbukumar, when asked whether the exercise would be undertaken in the State, said, “We will see.”

Exercise franchise

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, during his address, called upon voters to exercise their franchise without fear, pressure or inducement. Calling voting both a right and a duty, the Governor likened participation in elections to a sacrifice made for the republic.

“When we vote, we do not merely elect a government, but strengthen public policy, the country’s development direction, the future of coming generations and the idea of social justice. Every vote strengthens the foundation of democracy,” he said. He also requested newly registered voters to understand democratic values and act as responsible citizens. 

During the programme, the Governor presented State-level awards to election officials for excellence in electoral management, including five District Election Officers, 10 Booth Level Officer (BLO) Supervisors and 34 BLOs, alongside others.