Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Opposition Parties Demand CEC Arrest, SIR Rollback and Repolls
Opposition parties in India are challenging how voter lists are being reviewed.
This review is called the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR.
Reports said two Election Commissioners raised concerns about possible problems, including deleted voter names.
Opposition leaders say the process could take away people’s right to vote.
They want the review stopped and, in some states, want elections held again using older voter lists.
Some leaders also want Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar removed, arrested, or investigated.
Congress leaders asked Parliament and the Supreme Court to examine the matter.
The Nationalist Congress Party called for all political parties to meet and discuss it.
The Election Commission said disagreements can occur during internal discussions and that its decisions follow the law.
Opposition parties demanded the suspension or removal and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists.
The demands followed reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised concerns, including alleged voter-name deletions, during the SIR process.
Several opposition leaders called for the SIR exercise to be halted or scrapped, with some seeking repolls using earlier electoral rolls or ballot papers.
Congress leaders sought parliamentary or judicial action, including a Supreme Court examination and proceedings to remove the CEC.
The Election Commission said differing views are normal, its officers may offer suggestions, and its orders follow statutory procedures with full legal sanction.
- Who
- Opposition parties and leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Uddhav Thackeray, Mamata Banerjee, Supriya Sule and Prithviraj Chavan, criticized the Election Commission of India and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- What
- They demanded action over alleged irregularities and reported disagreements concerning the nationwide Special Intensive Revision of voter lists.
- When
- The demands and responses were reported on Wednesday, with the Maharashtra-focused report dated September 23.
- Where
- The reactions were reported from New Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow, and concerned voter-list revisions in multiple Indian states.
- Why
- Opposition leaders said alleged voter deletions and disputed decision-making could threaten voting rights, constitutional institutions and public confidence in elections.
Opposition parties’ allegations and demands
Election Commission’s response
Reported disagreements within the Commission
Opposition parties’ allegations and demands
Opposition leaders said objections reportedly raised by Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi indicate a serious institutional and constitutional problem requiring explanation and investigation.
Election Commission’s response
The Election Commission of India said differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution, and that all Commission officers can offer suggestions.
Voter-list revision
Opposition parties’ allegations and demands
Opposition parties alleged that names were deleted or challenged in large numbers and demanded that the SIR process be halted or scrapped.
Election Commission’s response
The Election Commission said its orders have full legal sanction and follow established statutory procedures; the articles do not report it accepting the opposition’s allegations.
CEC accountability
Opposition parties’ allegations and demands
Opposition leaders called for Gyanesh Kumar’s suspension, removal, arrest, resignation or judicial investigation, and some sought proceedings under the constitutional removal process.
Election Commission’s response
The Election Commission defended the legality of its collective decisions and did not endorse the calls for the CEC’s removal or arrest.
Earlier elections and repolls
Opposition parties’ allegations and demands
Some opposition leaders sought repolls in states including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Bihar, using earlier electoral rolls or ballot papers.
Election Commission’s response
The Election Commission response cited in the reports addressed its procedures and legal authority but did not announce repolls.
- Process at issue
- Nationwide Special Intensive Revision of voter lists
- Chief Election Commissioner
- Gyanesh Kumar
- Commissioners mentioned
- Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi
- Opposition demands
- Halting or scrapping the SIR process, removing or arresting the CEC, and holding repolls in some states
- Judicial and parliamentary demands
- Supreme Court examination, court-monitored investigation and proceedings to remove the CEC
- NCP (SP) demand
- An immediate all-party meeting to discuss the issue
- Election Commission response
- Differing views are normal, officers may offer suggestions, and Commission orders follow statutory procedures with full legal sanction
