New Delhi, November 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of attempting to defend a flawed electoral roll revision exercise through “word games”, rejecting its latest clarification on the use of Form-6 under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
In a post on X, Ramesh argued that the Commission’s clarification did not resolve the underlying problem but instead highlighted shortcomings in the process. He questioned how voters whose names were missing from the draft electoral rolls could be asked to apply for inclusion through a form that asks whether they are seeking enrolment for the first time.
The Congress leader described the ECI’s position — that previously enrolled voters can also submit Form-6 during the SIR exercise without making a false declaration — as an attempt to cover up a poorly designed procedure. He also alleged that the Commission was offering protection against legal consequences after asking applicants to sign the declaration.
Ramesh cited a communication from the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra, who had reportedly argued that Form-6 could not be used in this manner. He also referred to proceedings before the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court, where questions have been raised over the ECI’s position, particularly in relation to voters who are absent or have shifted residence.
He alleged that the SIR process was structured in a way that first removes voters from the rolls and then requires them to seek re-inclusion as new electors.
The ECI had clarified that electors whose names were missing from the draft rolls could submit Form-6 for inclusion during SIR without attracting prosecution under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, merely because they had been enrolled earlier.
Rejecting the explanation, Ramesh demanded that the Commission stop the SIR exercise, arguing that its fundamental flaws could not be addressed through further clarifications.
FOLLOW NOW
