Poll body unanimous on SIR decisions: Election Commission

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar (centre) and Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu (left) and Dr Vivek Joshi. PIC/X/@ECISVEEP

Expansive red flags raised by two Election Commissioners within the poll panel over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list triggered a political storm on Wednesday with the Opposition demanding Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar's removal and the poll panel asserting that differing views are a normal part of deliberation.

This comes after a report revealed that questions were raised on issues related to the SIR of electoral rolls within the three-member EC itself, time and again, by two Election Commissioners - Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.

The national rollout of the SIR has been under the supervision of all three Commissioners. But Sandhu and Joshi have formally objected, on record, at least 14 times over the last 10 months - four times on a single day - to decisions taken and orders issued, they say, without their knowledge, the news report said.

Responding, the Election Commission asserted that all its official orders, decisions and administrative directions carry full legal sanctions and that differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution.

In a statement following the report, the EC also said that suggestions given by the Commissioners were for further improving the electoral processes. The EC said it remains fully committed to executing its constitutional duties with complete integrity, recognising its vital role in advancing Indian democracy.

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