Inclusion in Draft Electoral Rolls and Final Disenfranchisement Are Two Different Issues; Congress Must Explain How Many Eligible Voters Were Wrongfully Deleted: Jamwal
Shimla: BJP State Chief Spokesperson and MLA Rakesh Jamwal strongly reacted to the questions being raised by the Congress party regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He stated that instead of indulging in political rhetoric on a sensitive issue concerning the electoral process, political parties should engage in discussions based on facts, figures and credible evidence.
Jamwal alleged that Congress was attempting to create confusion and unnecessary apprehension among the public regarding SIR, whereas ensuring the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls is an essential part of strengthening the democratic system.
Referring to an analysis published in The Indian Express by noted economist and author Surjit S. Bhalla, Jamwal said that the debate surrounding SIR must be examined in the context of existing gaps in voter registration. According to the figures cited in the discussion, approximately 73 million young voters remained unregistered in 2024, highlighting the need to address longstanding shortcomings in electoral registration.
He further stated that claims concerning approximately 13 crore names flagged or excluded from draft electoral rolls should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that an equivalent number of citizens have been permanently deprived of their voting rights.
“There is a fundamental difference between a draft electoral roll and a final electoral roll. The revision process includes verification, submission of claims and objections, examination of documents and correction of errors in accordance with established procedures. Presenting draft exclusions as final disenfranchisement without examining the evidence is misleading,” Jamwal said.
The BJP Chief Spokesperson challenged Congress to provide specific details of how many eligible voters had actually been wrongfully removed during the SIR process, the documentary evidence supporting such allegations and the action taken on related complaints.
He emphasised that the wrongful deletion of even a single eligible voter’s name is a serious matter that deserves proper examination and corrective action through the prescribed legal process.
Jamwal alleged that Congress was repeatedly creating political controversies around the Election Commission, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and electoral rolls. He said that while questioning the decisions of constitutional institutions is a democratic right, political allegations must also be supported by credible and verifiable evidence.
He further stated that the BJP’s position is that every eligible citizen must be included in the electoral rolls, while inaccuracies arising from duplicate registrations, deceased voters and other discrepancies should be corrected through transparent and legally established procedures.
“The objective of electoral revision must be to protect the voting rights of every eligible citizen while maintaining the accuracy, transparency and credibility of the electoral system,” he said.
Jamwal urged Congress to place the factual basis of its objections to SIR before the public rather than relying on broad political allegations.
He concluded that strengthening democracy requires public confidence in electoral processes, institutional accountability and protection of every eligible voter’s constitutional rights.
“Political parties have a responsibility to provide accurate information to citizens and encourage meaningful discussions on electoral reforms. The strength of Indian democracy lies in transparency, fairness and the protection of every legitimate vote,” Jamwal added.
