Mirzapur Farmers Storm SDM Office Over Special Intensive Revision
Farmers in Mirzapur protest the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), demanding the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and restoration of voting rights.
In a powerful display of dissent, farmers in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, took to the streets on October 23, 2026, to launch a fierce protest against the farmers protest Mirzapur centered on the 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR). Affiliated with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), the demonstrators gathered at the Chunar Tehsil headquarters to voice their outrage over what they describe as a systemic assault on democratic voting rights.
Demands for Accountability and Reform
Led by BKU District President Kanchan Singh Fauji, the protesters submitted a formal memorandum addressed to the President of India through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). The movement is not isolated to Mirzapur but is part of a massive nationwide agitation spanning district headquarters, state capitals, and New Delhi.
The core demands of the protesting farmers include:
- Immediate Scraping of SIR: The protesters are calling for the total cancellation of the Special Intensive Revision process.
- Removal of the CEC: The group is demanding legal action and the immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar from his post.
- Restoration of Voter Rights: The memorandum claims that approximately 13.41 crore citizens were removed from electoral rolls without any transparency, and they demand these rights be restored immediately.
Allegations of Constitutional Violations
The rhetoric during the protest was sharp, with BKU District President Kanchan Singh Fauji accusing CEC Gyanesh Kumar of violating his constitutional oath. Fauji further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is shielding the CEC, claiming that the commission intentionally assisted the ruling BJP by purging genuine citizens from the voter lists.
The farmers asserted that the authority to amend rulebooks rests solely with Parliament. Consequently, they have urged Parliament to initiate impeachment proceedings against CEC Gyanesh Kumar to resolve what they term a "constitutional crisis."
Push for Electoral Overhaul
Beyond the immediate issue of the SIR, the BKU is advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of the Indian electoral system. Their vision for reform includes:
- Panel Changes: An amendment to the 2023 Act to replace cabinet ministers on the selection panel with the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
- Proportional Representation: The implementation of a proportional representation system.
- Curbing Influence: Strict restrictions on the influence of "money and muscle power" during elections.
- State Funding: The legalization of state funding for elections to ensure a level playing field.
A Unified Front
The protest in Mirzapur also highlighted a growing alliance between different social sectors. The farming organizations expressed their full support for students and youth who are also protesting against the SIR issue, signaling a broader coalition against the current electoral revision processes.