Archive · 4 Oct 2026
BJP Leaders Challenge Thackeray Brothers Over SIR Opposition
Maharashtra’s BJP leaders and opposition parties disagree about a review of voter lists called SIR.
Ravindra Chavan shared a video of Home Minister Amit Shah talking about the review.
Chavan asked whether people registered in multiple places or people who have died should remain on voter lists.
He also raised concerns about alleged illegal immigrants voting.
BJP leaders say the review can help make voter lists more accurate.
Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, along with NCP (SP), held a rally against SIR.
Opposition parties question how the review will work and worry that eligible voters could have trouble staying on the lists.
Ashish Shelar and Sanjay Shirsat criticized the rally and its organizers.
Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan questioned Uddhav and Raj Thackeray’s opposition to the electoral-roll revision.
Chavan shared a video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah explaining SIR in Parliament.
He asked whether alleged infiltrators, duplicate registrations and deceased voters should be present on electoral rolls.
Ashish Shelar accused opponents of double standards over criticism of the Election Commission and EVMs; Sanjay Shirsat called the rally a publicity stunt.
The Thackeray brothers and NCP (SP) held the Garjana Morcha against SIR, while opponents raised concerns that eligible voters could be affected.
- Who
- Maharashtra BJP leaders Ravindra Chavan and Ashish Shelar, and opposition leaders Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray and NCP (SP).
- What
- BJP leaders criticized opposition to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, while the opposition held a rally against it.
- When
- Sunday, October 4, 2026.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- The dispute concerns voter-list accuracy and the SIR process, including concerns about irregular entries and possible effects on eligible voters.
BJP’s case for SIR
Opposition concerns about SIR
Purpose of revising voter rolls
BJP’s case for SIR
BJP leaders say SIR can identify discrepancies, including duplicate registrations and names of deceased voters.
Opposition concerns about SIR
Opposition parties challenge the exercise and question how it will be carried out.
Effect on voters
BJP’s case for SIR
Chavan asks opponents whether they also oppose removing duplicate and invalid entries.
Opposition concerns about SIR
Opponents warn that genuine, eligible voters could be affected or face difficulties establishing their names on electoral rolls.
Election Commission criticism
BJP’s case for SIR
Shelar cited elections in which non-BJP parties formed governments to argue that claims of Election Commission bias had no basis.
Opposition concerns about SIR
The articles report that opposition parties have questioned the exercise and criticized the Election Commission, but do not provide a specific response to Shelar’s examples.
- Exercise under debate
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls
- Chavan’s questions
- He raised alleged illegal immigration, multiple registrations and deceased people remaining on voter lists.
- Video shared
- A video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah explaining SIR in Parliament
- Opposition rally
- Garjana Morcha, held by Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray and NCP (SP)
- BJP’s position
- The party says SIR can help identify discrepancies and improve voter-list accuracy.
- Opposition concerns
- Opponents question how SIR will be implemented and whether eligible voters could be affected.
- Other BJP criticism
- Ashish Shelar accused opponents of double standards; Sanjay Shirsat described the rally as a publicity stunt.
Sources
BJP’s Ravindra Chavan, Ashish Shelar Target Thackeray Brothers Over SIR Opposition, Garjana Morcha
Maharashtra BJP Chief Ravindra Chavan Targets Thackeray Brothers Over SIR, Raises Questions On Electoral Integrity
