Archive · 3 Oct 2026
BJP Counters Opposition Campaign Over Election Commission and SIR
Opposition parties are criticizing how voter lists are being updated and want the head of the Election Commission to resign.
The BJP says it will answer those criticisms and says the changes are meant to make voter registration easier.
It says a declaration for the voter-list review has been included in Form 6.
The article also reports that two election commissioners raised written objections to the process several times.
The BJP says the Commission reached decisions by consensus and that fixing problems can help the process.
The Commission plans to visit homes in places where the review has already happened.
Officials will check on people who may have been missed and help new voters fill out forms.
The BJP argues that demanding the chief commissioner’s resignation would not automatically cancel earlier decisions.
The BJP says it will firmly counter opposition demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation with factual responses.
The party says changes to Form 6 integrate a declaration for the Special Intensive Revision process to simplify voter registration.
Opposition parties have challenged the SIR process and accused the Election Commission of problems; the BJP says the issue is being used to question its election victories.
The article reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded written objections to the process 14 times in 10 months.
The Election Commission plans a special drive in 20 states and Union Territories to reach eligible people missed earlier and register new voters.
- Who
- The BJP, opposition parties, and the Election Commission, including Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- What
- The BJP has launched a counter-campaign against opposition criticism of the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls and demands for Kumar’s resignation.
- When
- The BJP posted its Form 6 rebuttal on Saturday; the article gives no calendar date.
- Where
- India; the planned voter-registration drive covers 20 states and Union Territories.
- Why
- The BJP says it wants to answer allegations about Form 6 and the SIR process and challenge what it describes as efforts to pressure the Election Commission.
Opposition criticism
BJP response
SIR and Form 6
Opposition criticism
Opposition parties have raised allegations about changes to Form 6 and the SIR process.
BJP response
The BJP says the declaration was integrated into Form 6 to simplify voter registration and says the decision had the consensus of all three election commissioners.
Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation
Opposition criticism
Opposition parties are seeking Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and, according to the BJP, are using the issue to target the government and question election outcomes.
BJP response
BJP leaders argue that a resignation would not automatically invalidate decisions made during Kumar’s tenure and say legal procedures are required to challenge decisions or election results.
Commission’s internal disagreements
Opposition criticism
A report cited in the article said commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded serious written objections to the SIR process 14 times in 10 months.
BJP response
BJP insiders say the Commission has stated decisions were reached by consensus and argue that steps to correct flaws can strengthen the exercise’s credibility.
- Chief Election Commissioner
- Gyanesh Kumar
- Voter registration form
- Form 6
- Electoral-roll process
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
- Commissioners reported to have filed objections
- Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi
- Reported written objections
- 14 times in 10 months
- Planned special drive
- 20 states and Union Territories where SIR has already taken place
- Planned outreach
- Booth Level Officers will make door-to-door visits and facilitate Form 6 completion