BJP allies seek EC clarification after report that poll commissioners objected to SIR decisions

Leaders of three parties in the ruling National Democratic Alliance have said that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar must “dispel misgivings in the minds of the people” and issue a clarification on differences within the poll panel over the special intensive revision of voter rolls, The Indian Express reported.

This came after an investigation by The Indian Express showed that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had formally objected 14 times in 10 months to decisions related to the SIR, saying that some had been taken without their knowledge.

Their objections were reportedly related to the registration of new voters and changes to Form 6, appeals against the inclusion of voters in West Bengal and the handling of voter data in Goa, among other matters. Form 6 is used to register new voters.

In one written objection, Sandhu was quoted as having stated that the poll panel had acted against the advice of both commissioners and described the action as “unauthorised and illegal”.

The two election commissioners had also raised concerns over access to the digital electoral roll database.

On Friday, Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan said the chief election commissioner was responsible for presenting his stance if questions were raised about the poll panel, The Indian Express reported.

“It is problematic if people...

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