"Why ECI in hurry to carry out SIR exercise?": Congress leader Rashid Alvi slams poll body, BJP

New Delhi [India], October 28 (ANI): Congress leader Rashid Alvi, in view of the second phase of Special Intensive Revision in all 12 States and Union Territories, questioned why the Election Commission of India is rushing to conduct the SIR.
He stressed that the ECI plans to implement the SIR during the Bihar elections and alleged that the Centre is involved with the ECI in doing so.
"The biggest question is, why is the Election Commission in a hurry to conduct the SIR at a time when elections are underway in a big state like Bihar? Can they not start the SIR after 14 November?... They want the political parties to be engaged in elections; meanwhile, the Election Commission will take advantage of their business and implement the SIR. SIR is not really SIR, but an NRC, which the Indian government wanted to do. This is why we always say that the Election Commission, BJP, and the Central government are jointly involved in this," he stated.
On the other hand, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla welcomed phase 2 of the Special Intensive Revision while attacking the Congress party for opposing its implementation. He argued that Congress wishes to erase the people's rights and urged the quick implementation of SIR.
"We welcome the Election Commission's views on the Constitutional Responsibilities and Constitutional Rights of the Election Commission. The Supreme Court has also acknowledged that it is the constitutional duty of the EC to conduct elections and prepare the electoral roll with integrity for free and fair elections. However, the unfortunate reality is that the opposition, especially the Congress party, which continually discusses the Constitution, remains focused on vote bank politics. Today, SIR activity is taking place in 12 states and UTs, with the Congress party opposing it, claiming it is unconstitutional and aimed at erasing the rights of the people," he said.
The first phase of the SIR was conducted in Bihar in September, ahead of the Assembly elections in the State.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar said that the poll body will conduct the second phase of the SIR in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
According to the Election Commission, printing and training will take place from October 28 to November 3, followed by an Enumeration Phase from November to December 4. The Draft Electoral Rolls will be published on December 9, followed by a claims and objection period from December 9 to January 8, 2026. The Notice Phase (for hearing and verification) will take place between December 9 and January 31, 202, with publication of Final Electoral Rolls on February 7, 2026. (ANI)