'This is the time to speak': Chidambaram urges CEOs to reveal SIR instructions
P Chidambaram calls on State CEOs to clarify directives received during the Special Intensive Revision process.
Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram has launched a scathing attack against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding transparency regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Chidambaram has called on Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) across various states to come forward and publicly disclose the specific instructions they received during this exercise.
Demanding Accountability from State Officials
Speaking to ANI, Chidambaram highlighted recent developments involving state poll bodies, noting that some officials are already taking decisive action or speaking out ahead of potential judicial oversight. He specifically pointed to instances in Maharashtra and Karnataka, as well as the decision by the Chief Electoral Officer in Odisha to seek premature retirement.
"Before other High Courts or the Supreme Court start inquiring or calling the CEOs of all states, I would urge them to speak out: what instructions they received, when they received the instructions, and how they complied with the instructions," Chidambaram stated.
Allegations of Illegal Process
The former Union Minister raised serious questions regarding the legal validity of the SIR process. He alleged that the Election Commission may have overridden internal objections to move forward with the exercise. Chidambaram questioned whether the Commission or the Chief Election Commissioner ignored warnings from within, asserting, "It's obvious the SIR process is illegal."
Internal Dissent vs. Commission's Stance
These allegations follow reports suggesting significant internal disagreement within the Election Commission of India (ECI). According to media reports, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had reportedly recorded formal objections on at least 14 separate occasions over a ten-month period. These concerns allegedly touched upon critical areas, including:
- Decisions regarding electoral rolls
- Voter registration processes
- Technology systems and Form 6 submissions
- Voter deletions and access to central electoral-roll databases
However, the ECI has officially rejected these claims of institutional dissent. The poll panel clarified that administrative queries and operational suggestions during draft stages are standard procedure and maintained that all final decisions regarding the SIR schedule were reached unanimously.
Opposition Mobilization
The controversy comes as the INDIA bloc intensifies its nationwide campaign against the Chief Election Commissioner and the Commission's management of electoral rolls. Opposition parties are preparing for a series of demonstrations, including a coordinated protest scheduled for October 6 and a large-scale rally in New Delhi on November 1.