Chandigarh, October 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday demanded the scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, calling for an impartial investigation into alleged irregularities and action against those responsible. Addressing the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, he accused the BJP of manipulating electoral rolls by adding votes in its favour and deleting Opposition votes. The Assembly subsequently passed a resolution against SIR by voice vote.
Mann described what he called “vote-chori” (vote theft) as a serious threat to democracy and alleged that elections in Bihar, West Bengal, Haryana and Maharashtra had been won through electoral manipulation. He argued that the process risked shifting power over voter eligibility from citizens to those in government.
Speaking during a discussion on protecting citizens’ voting rights amid the ongoing SIR exercise, Mann said Punjab had taken the lead by passing a resolution condemning the process. He stressed that every eligible citizen must be able to exercise the right to vote without fear of arbitrary exclusion.
“The right to vote is not a favour bestowed by any government. It is the foundation of democratic participation, and no eligible citizen should face unnecessary hardship or arbitrary exclusion while establishing their eligibility,” he said.
The Chief Minister invoked the constitutional principles associated with Dr BR Ambedkar, emphasising equality, dignity and political participation. He expressed concern over reported voter deletions affecting particular sections of society and called for transparency and an independent investigation into the revision process.
“Any exercise that determines who can exercise the right to vote must be transparent, fair and accountable. The protection of every eligible citizen’s voting rights is essential to preserving the foundations of Indian democracy,” Mann said.
He also questioned why objections in an Assembly constituency had reportedly been raised only after protests began and why the Election Commission had decided to formally record the minutes of its meetings. Referring to reported differences among Election Commissioners over the Commission’s decision-making, he called for greater public scrutiny.
Mann further criticised the BJP-led Union Government over the functioning of central investigative agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation. He maintained that constitutional and investigative institutions must operate independently and without political pressure.
“The question before the country is simple: will India remain a democracy where every vote matters, or will we allow a system to emerge in which those in power decide whose voice deserves to be heard?” he asked.
Warning against what he described as an “elected dictatorship”, Mann said electoral victories did not give governments the authority to weaken the institutions that safeguard free and fair elections.
“Winning an election does not give anyone a licence to undermine the Constitution. The mandate of the people is a responsibility, not a weapon,” he said.
He added that concerns over names being removed from electoral rolls without transparent and fair procedures could undermine public confidence in the democratic system beyond the immediate impact on any election.
Mann Raises Punjab’s Investment Concerns
The Chief Minister also raised concerns over the Union Government’s approach towards Punjab’s efforts to attract international investment.
He said he had been working to position Punjab as an investment destination by highlighting its industrial potential, skilled workforce and entrepreneurial strengths.
Mann claimed that a proposed foreign visit intended to promote the state’s investment opportunities had faced obstacles and that subsequent action against him raised questions requiring scrutiny. He also called for transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Customs establishment.
“Punjab’s economic progress must not be held hostage to political differences. Investment, employment and prosperity are directly linked to the future of our youth. Every effort to attract investment and create opportunities must be encouraged,” he said.
Warns Against Pressure on Indian Agriculture
Mann also expressed concern over India’s international economic direction, warning that proposed trade arrangements could expose Indian agriculture to external pressure and allow American commercial interests to influence the future of Indian farmers.
Referring to Punjab’s farmers’ movement, he said farmers would resist any arrangement that compromised their livelihoods or the future of Indian agriculture.
The Chief Minister argued that trade agreements should not become a means of introducing agricultural policies that farmers had previously opposed. He called for transparency in negotiations and urged that Parliament, state governments and farming communities be given opportunities to examine the implications of international agreements affecting agriculture.
“Farmers, labourers, traders, young people and every other section of society deserve a voice in decisions affecting their future. Any international agreement concerning agriculture must be examined transparently, with Parliament, state governments and farming communities given an opportunity to assess its implications,” he said.
Mann said Punjab’s experience of the farmers’ movement demonstrated the importance of peaceful democratic resistance when people’s rights and livelihoods were at stake.
Appeals for Protection of Democratic Rights
Concluding his address, Mann urged citizens to speak out against injustice and defend constitutional values. He called on democratic forces to rise above political differences to safeguard voting rights, the independence of constitutional institutions and the principles of equality and justice.
“Silence in the face of injustice only emboldens those who seek to weaken the rights of others. We must all nurture democracy, protect the Constitution and speak up whenever the rights of our people are threatened,” he said.
Mann said the country’s future should not be determined solely by those who prioritise political power over citizens’ interests. He dedicated his appeal to Dr BR Ambedkar, the freedom fighters who struggled for India’s independence and future generations entitled to inherit a democratic nation.
The Punjab Vidhan Sabha’s resolution against SIR by voice vote marked the central legislative outcome of the proceedings, while Mann called for further scrutiny of the electoral roll revision process and protection of every eligible citizen’s right to vote.
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