Maurya demands apology from Rahul, Akhilesh, Mamata over SIR remarks
UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya asks opposition leaders to apologise following Election Commission clarification on the SIR process.
In a sharp political escalation, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has demanded an apology from prominent opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Mamata Banerjee. The demand follows a clarification from the Election Commission (EC) regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, which Maurya claims proves that previous allegations of unilateral decision-making were baseless.
The EC Clarification and Maurya's Attack
The controversy erupted following reports suggesting internal disagreements within the poll body. However, the Election Commission has since clarified that all decisions concerning the SIR process were made jointly. Maurya did not mince words when addressing the media, accusing the opposition of being "automatic machines" for spreading falsehoods.
"The Election Commission has clarified that the decision on the SIR was taken jointly by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the two Election Commissioners," Maurya stated. He further insisted that given this official clarification, leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Mamata Banerjee must apologise for their statements and cease the spread of misinformation.
Opposition Maintains Stance on Documentation
Despite the Deputy CM's demands, members of the opposition continue to defend their concerns. Congress leader Bhai Jagtap argued that the issues raised were not mere accusations but were backed by documented evidence from within the commission.
Jagtap pointed out that assistants to the CEC had reportedly written multiple times regarding the SIR process. "Their actions have been exposed... Their letters provide a documented reference, not merely an allegation," Jagtap said, adding that the public remains aware of the allegations regarding the potential undermining of democratic processes and constitutional rights.
Growing Agitation within the INDIA Bloc
The tension is not limited to the Congress party. MDMK general secretary Vaiko expressed deep concern over the functioning of the CEC, describing the current situation as unprecedented and disturbing for those invested in democracy.
Vaiko also announced that the INDIA bloc is set to convene a meeting to address this escalating crisis. "An INDIA bloc meeting is going to take place on Wednesday at the Constitution Club in New Delhi," he confirmed, noting his own participation in the discussions.
Background of the SIR Controversy
The political storm intensified following a report by The Indian Express, which suggested that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised several objections regarding the procedures and decisions linked to the SIR exercise. This led to intense scrutiny and demands for accountability from the CEC by various parties, including the CPI, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT).
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has firmly rejected all allegations of wrongdoing. The poll body maintains that:
- The SIR process followed all established legal procedures.
- The schedule for 12 States and Union Territories issued on October 27, 2025, was approved unanimously.
- The schedule for 19 States and UTs issued on May 14, 2026, also received unanimous approval.
- The June 24, 2025, order covering all States and UTs was a collective decision of the Commission.