Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 16: BJP State spokesperson and convener International Affairs, Gaurav Gupta on Monday said that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is neither new nor unconstitutional, asserting that the exercise has been carried out repeatedly since 1952 under successive governments, including those led by the Congress.
Speaking at a SIR awareness workshop organised at the BJP district Jammu office under the chairmanship of district president, Rajesh Gupta, Gaurav Gupta, who was the main speaker said the opposition was deliberately spreading misinformation to create fear among voters.
Gupta said SIR exercises were conducted during the tenures of Jawaharlal Nehru (1952, 1957, 1961), Lal Bahadur Shastri (1965-66), Indira Gandhi (1981-84), Rajiv Gandhi (1987-89), P.V. Narasimha Rao (1992-93-95), Atal Bihari Vajpayee (2002-03) and Dr Manmohan Singh (2004). “Now in 2025 under Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the same democratic process is continuing,” he said.
Explaining the purpose of SIR, Gupta said it aims to detect, delete and deport illegal names from electoral rolls. “Bangladeshi, Burmese and Rohingya infiltrators have no right to vote. India’s Prime Minister and Chief Ministers must be elected by Indian citizens, not by infiltrators,” he asserted, adding that SIR ensures purification of voter lists.
Gupta accused the Congress of attempting to “normalize illegality” for electoral gains. “Congress could not win votes of the people, so now it wants infiltrators’ votes,” he said.
Referring to 2010 Election Commission guidelines, Gupta alleged that returning officers were stripped of deletion powers, which, according to him, allowed bogus entries to remain on voter lists. “That is why repeated SIR exercises became necessary,” he said.
On allegations regarding changes in the Election Commission appointment process, Gupta said Congress was misleading the public by claiming that the Chief Justice of India (CJI) was removed.
BJP State general secretary, Sanjita Dogra said Gupta has effectively exposed the false narrative being spread by the Congress and clearly explained the historical and constitutional basis of Special Intensive Revision. “Gaurav Gupta has put facts before the public with clarity and courage. His articulation reflects the BJP’s commitment to transparency, democratic values and clean electoral processes,” she said, adding that such awareness programmes were vital to counter misinformation and strengthen public trust in constitutional institutions.
District president, Rajesh Gupta, while chairing the workshop, said that the SIR of electoral rolls is essential to protect the sanctity of democracy.
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