Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Quraishi Calls SIR Voter Deletions Illogical and Unconstitutional
Former Chief Election Commissioner Quraishi criticized the removal of many names from voter lists.
He said the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, may have removed about 13 to 14 crore names across India.
He described the deletions as unfair and possibly illegal.
Quraishi said many of the removed people may still be allowed to vote.
He asked whether all these people had really moved away.
He said people who move should be added to voter lists at their new addresses.
He also questioned whether the 2002 voter list used for checking names is completely accurate.
He believes removing an eligible voter should lead to responsibility and possibly criminal action.
Former Chief Election Commissioner Quraishi called large-scale voter deletions under SIR a “scam” and an artificial process.
He claimed about 13 to 14 crore names were deleted nationwide, representing nearly 15 percent of the population.
Quraishi said roughly 90 percent of those deleted were likely eligible voters and questioned whether all had migrated.
He argued that deleting even one eligible voter violates the citizen’s fundamental right to vote and should attract accountability.
Quraishi questioned the reliability of the 2002 electoral roll used by the Election Commission of India for comparison.
- Who
- Former Chief Election Commissioner Quraishi criticized the voter deletions and the Election Commission of India’s process.
- What
- He alleged that large-scale voter deletions under the Special Intensive Revision were arbitrary, unlawful and affected many eligible citizens.
- When
- During the ongoing SIR exercise; the articles do not specify a date.
- Where
- Across India, according to Quraishi’s estimate.
- Why
- Quraishi said deleting eligible voters violates their fundamental right to vote and that the 2002 electoral roll is not fully reliable as a reference.
- Issue
- Deletion of voters during the Special Intensive Revision exercise
- Estimated deletions
- About 13 to 14 crore names nationwide, according to Quraishi
- Population estimate
- Nearly 15 percent of the population, according to his claim
- Eligibility claim
- Quraishi said about 90 percent of those deleted are likely eligible to vote
- Reference roll
- The Election Commission of India is comparing names against the 2002 electoral roll
- Quraishi’s position
- Deleting any eligible voter is unconstitutional and illegal
- Accountability sought
- Quraishi said criminal liability should be considered