Archive · 12 Oct 2026
Citizens’ Convention Condemns SIR as Campaign of Voter Exclusion
A group of lawyers, teachers and politicians met in Kolkata to discuss changes to voter lists.
They said the changes may have kept some eligible people from voting and could help the BJP.
Lawyer Prashant Bhushan said some people whose names were removed were being asked to use a form meant for first-time voters.
The speakers called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to be removed.
They also asked for courts to review the process and for pending voter cases to be resolved.
One speaker said about 22 lakh voters’ cases were still waiting before tribunals.
The speakers disagreed with the idea that the revision had no effect on election results.
These were the speakers’ claims and demands at the convention.
A convention in Kolkata denounced the electoral-roll revision as an orchestrated campaign of voter exclusion that speakers said could benefit the BJP.
Speakers demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s removal and called for a fair, transparent process to appoint his successor.
Prashant Bhushan alleged that deleted voters were being directed to use Form 6, which he said requires first-time voters to declare they have never voted.
Speakers called for judicial review, restoration of about 22 lakh voters whose cases remain pending, and examination of whether a re-election is needed.
The convention, organised by Bharat Joro Abhiyan, also urged the Supreme Court to take a more proactive role.
- Who
- Lawyers, academics and politicians at a convention organised by Bharat Joro Abhiyan.
- What
- They condemned the special intensive revision of electoral rolls and called for changes and remedies.
- When
- Sunday.
- Where
- Moulali Yuva Kendra, Kolkata.
- Why
- Speakers alleged the revision excluded eligible voters and affected election outcomes.
Convention speakers’ claims
Contested impact
Effect of the roll revision
Convention speakers’ claims
Prasenjit Bose said the revision affected the majority secured in the election and that claims of no impact were unfounded.
Contested impact
The article reports Bose disputing the claim that the revision had no effect, but does not identify a speaker defending that position.
Election Commission conduct
Convention speakers’ claims
Prashant Bhushan alleged the Commission was arbitrarily removing names and asking deleted voters to make false declarations using Form 6.
Contested impact
The article gives no response from the Election Commission to these allegations.
- Event
- Citizens’ convention opposing the special intensive revision of electoral rolls.
- Organiser
- Bharat Joro Abhiyan (Unite India Campaign).
- Venue
- Moulali Yuva Kendra, Kolkata.
- Chief Election Commissioner
- Gyanesh Kumar; speakers demanded his removal.
- Pending voter cases
- Prasenjit Bose said approximately 22 lakh voters’ cases remained pending before tribunals.
- Form discussed
- Prashant Bhushan alleged deleted voters were being asked to submit Form 6, intended for new, first-time voters.
- Other demands
- Speakers called for judicial review of the exercise and examination of a possible re-election.