Shashi Tharoor Calls for Accountable Electoral System Amid SIR Roll Revision Row
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as a "shocking situation," alleging irregularities and voter deletions while accusing CEC Gyanesh Kumar of bypassing fellow Election Commissioners.
By Current Affairs Viva Desk | Updated: September 28, 2026 | Reading Time: ~5 minutes
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called for an accountable electoral system. (Photo: ANI)
Introduction
New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as a "shocking situation" on Monday, alleging that citizens were being denied their constitutional right to vote.
Speaking on the issue, Tharoor urged the protection of democratic rights and called for an accountable electoral system, warning that the credibility of Indian elections was at stake.
Allegations Against Chief Election Commissioner
Tharoor accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of bypassing the other two Election Commissioners on 14 occasions and unilaterally altering the electoral software to prevent officials from restoring voters who had been unjustly deleted.
"He has taken decisions on 14 occasions that have bypassed the other two commissioners. He has unilaterally changed the software in such a way that the electoral officers don't have the right to even restore people who have been unjustly deleted. We are seeing irregularities left, right, and center."
Congress Working Committee to Meet on September 29
The Congress party has protested against the SIR process, alleging irregularities in the electoral procedure. Tharoor noted that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) would meet on September 29 to discuss the matter, with opposition parties expected to unite and present a strong response.
"So the Congress Working Committee is meeting tomorrow... All the opposition parties are getting together. And I think the whole idea is to come forward with a strong, united voice."
He added that the issue had attracted international attention, stating: "The entire democratic world is looking at us and saying, what is going on in India? This is a shocking situation."
Appeal to BJP Leaders and Voters
Tharoor appealed to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and voters to support demands for electoral accountability, stressing that the integrity of India's elections was a matter that transcended party lines.
"I would say that any genuinely committed Indian Democrat, even if he's a BJP member or a BJP voter, should be supporting our demand for an accountable electoral system so that once again the elections of India can be the pride of the nation."
Opposition Parties Demand CEC's Resignation
Opposition parties including Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT) have called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
The dispute escalated following an Indian Express report that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections at least 14 times over 10 months concerning the SIR process and other electoral matters such as Form 6, voter deletions, and access to electoral-roll databases.
Election Commission Denies Dissent Claims
The Election Commission denied that these objections constituted institutional dissent, stating that operational queries and suggestions during the draft stage are part of the standard administrative process.
The Commission maintained that all decisions, including those related to the SIR, were unanimous and approved by all three commissioners.
Congress Responds to JP Nadda's Criticism
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal responded on Monday to Union Minister JP Nadda's criticism of opposition allegations, asserting that Rahul Gandhi's claims about the poll panel had been "established" by objections raised by the two Election Commissioners.
"Rahul Gandhi doesn't tell any lie. He tells the truth only. That has been established now by two Election Commissioners, not by Congress leaders."
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an electoral roll revision exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India to update voter lists by removing ineligible, deceased, shifted, and duplicate entries. While the EC describes it as a routine exercise to purify electoral rolls, opposition parties allege that the process has led to the unjust deletion of legitimate voters, disproportionately affecting minority communities and opposition strongholds.
The controversy has emerged as one of the most significant electoral disputes in recent Indian political history, raising questions about the independence of the Election Commission and the integrity of India's democratic processes.
Conclusion
The escalating row over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has become a major political flashpoint in India. With opposition parties uniting under the banner of electoral accountability and the Congress Working Committee set to meet on September 29, the coming days are likely to see intensified political activity on the issue.
As the debate continues, the focus will remain on the Election Commission's response, potential legal challenges, and the broader implications for India's democratic institutions. Shashi Tharoor's call for an accountable electoral system reflects the wider concern that electoral integrity is fundamental to the health of Indian democracy.
(With inputs from ANI)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What did Shashi Tharoor say about the SIR controversy?
Shashi Tharoor called the SIR of electoral rolls a "shocking situation," alleging that citizens were being denied their constitutional right to vote, and demanded an accountable electoral system.
Q2. What is the SIR in electoral rolls?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an exercise by the Election Commission of India to update voter lists by removing ineligible, deceased, and duplicate entries. Opposition parties allege it has led to unjust voter deletions.
Q3. Who is Gyanesh Kumar?
Gyanesh Kumar is the Chief Election Commissioner of India who has been accused by opposition parties of bypassing fellow Election Commissioners and unilaterally altering electoral software.
Q4. When is the Congress Working Committee meeting?
The Congress Working Committee is scheduled to meet on September 29, 2026 to discuss the SIR controversy and decide the opposition's united response.
Q5. Which opposition parties are demanding CEC's resignation?
Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress, and Shiv Sena (UBT) are among the opposition parties demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
Q6. What is the Election Commission's response to these allegations?
The Election Commission denied that objections by the two Election Commissioners constituted institutional dissent, maintaining that all decisions, including SIR-related decisions, were unanimous.
Politics, Shashi Tharoor, Election Commission, SIR, Congress, Electoral Reforms, CEC Gyanesh Kumar, India Politics, Nation and Beyond, Current Affairs
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