Election Commission Defends Voter Roll Revisions Amid Political Controversy

The Election Commission asserts its authority in conducting a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, amidst political allegations of mass voter disenfranchisement. The Commission emphasizes the constitutional basis for its actions, refutes exaggerated claims, and highlights the cooperative nature of the revision process.

The Election Commission of India has firmly defended its Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu before the Supreme Court. The Commission argued that accusations of mass deletion of genuine voters were politically charged and unfounded.

Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi had required separate responses from the poll panel following petitions from political parties such as the DMK, CPI(M), the Congress, and the Trinamool Congress. The Commission, through Secretary Pawan Diwan, filed affidavits advocating for the dismissal of these petitions, maintaining that their revision exercise is crucial for maintaining the integrity of electoral rolls.

The Election Commission insists its powers are rooted in Articles 324 and 326 of the Indian Constitution and relevant electoral legislation. It attributed the narrative of widespread disenfranchisement to vested political interests and emphasized the SIR's role in ensuring free and fair elections by purging ineligible voters. The EC criticized the lack of cooperation from certain political parties amid unfounded claims of voter exclusion and reiterated its commitment to an inclusive revision process.

(With inputs from agencies.)