Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Bhupendra Patel Targets Rahul Gandhi Over SIR Dispute
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel criticized Rahul Gandhi over questions about India’s election authorities.
The disagreement involves a process called Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, which checks and updates voter lists.
A report said two election commissioners objected several times to decisions connected with this process.
Patel said the three commissioners later made clear that their decisions were unanimous.
He also said eligible voters would be protected from being removed.
Patel accused Congress of weakening trust in important public institutions.
Congress and Rahul Gandhi have raised concerns about the Election Commission and elections.
The two sides disagree about whether the election process and SIR are being handled properly.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel criticized Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about the Election Commission of India and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Patel said Congress was undermining constitutional authorities, including the Election Commission and Supreme Court, to protect its political position.
His comments followed a report that two election commissioners objected 14 times in 10 months to decisions linked to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Patel said all three commissioners had clarified that SIR decisions were unanimous and that safeguards were in place to protect eligible voters.
He accused Congress of alleging election irregularities when the BJP wins while praising electoral institutions when Congress succeeds.
- Who
- Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the opposition over claims concerning the Election Commission of India.
- What
- Patel defended the Election Commission and disputed allegations about disagreements among commissioners and irregularities connected with the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- When
- Sunday; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- At the Bharatiya Janata Party state headquarters, Shree Kamalam, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
- Why
- Patel said opposition allegations were undermining constitutional institutions and were politically motivated.
Opposition Concerns
Government Defense
Election Commission credibility
Opposition Concerns
Rahul Gandhi and opposition parties have raised allegations about elections and questioned the conduct and credibility of the Election Commission.
Government Defense
Bhupendra Patel said the Election Commission is autonomous, transparent, and conducts elections fairly, accusing Congress of weakening constitutional institutions.
Disagreements over SIR
Opposition Concerns
A report cited by the article said two election commissioners objected 14 times in 10 months to decisions related to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Government Defense
Patel said all three commissioners clarified that decisions on SIR were unanimous and that allegations of internal differences were baseless.
Political motivation
Opposition Concerns
The opposition has presented its concerns as claims about voter-list and election irregularities, including alleged “vote chori.”
Government Defense
Patel said Congress raises such claims when the BJP wins but praises democracy and electoral neutrality when Congress wins.
- Main speaker
- Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel
- Criticized leader
- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi
- Institution at issue
- Election Commission of India
- Election official named
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Process discussed
- Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls
- Reported objections
- Two election commissioners reportedly objected 14 times in 10 months to SIR-related decisions.
- Patel’s position
- He said all three commissioners stated that SIR decisions were unanimous.