Karnataka’s electorate has fallen by around 99.76 lakh voters following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), bringing the total number of electors to 4,54,55,689, or approximately 4.54 crore. The exercise concluded on October 27, with the state having around 5.5 crore voters when the rolls were frozen on June 16.The final electoral roll includes 6.83 lakh new voters. Around 86.56 lakh electors are aged between 20 and 29, while those aged 30–39 form the largest age group, with approximately 1.02 crore voters.&nbsp;During the enumeration phase, around 1.08 crore voters, or 19.48 per cent of the electorate, were excluded from the draft list published on August 24. They were categorised as Absent, Shifted, Dead, Duplicate and Others (ASDDO).&nbsp;Voters classified as permanently shifted accounted for the largest share, at 65.45 lakh, representing 11.8 per cent of the ASDDO list.&nbsp;The Election Commission served 43.82 lakh notices to voters over “logical discrepancies” in their SIR enumeration forms. Following the notices phase, 43.2 lakh voters were included in the final list, while 61,867 were excluded.&nbsp;The revision began on June 20, with 59,050 Booth Level Officers (BLOs), 332 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) and 224 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) deployed across Karnataka. The state also had 5,905 BLO supervisors, each overseeing 10 BLOs, and 34 district commissioners designated as District Election Officers.&nbsp;The enumeration phase began on June 30 and was extended twice. Initially scheduled to end on July 29, the deadline was extended to August 8 because of the large number of voters requiring ASDDO classification. A further 10-day extension was subsequently announced.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-polls-highest-early-turnout-since-1973-netanyahu-s-likud-alleges-fraud-attempt-to-steal-election-1793103107086">Israel polls: Highest early turnout since 1973; Netanyahu’s Likud alleges fraud, ‘attempt to steal’ election</a><h3>The list comes amid SIR row</h3>The SIR has triggered political tensions, with opposition parties alleging voter disenfranchisement, irregular deletions and a lack of transparency under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.&nbsp;Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has called for a nationwide “Chalo Delhi” rally under the slogan “Save the Vote – Save the Country” at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, 2026. He has urged students, farmers, workers and citizens to join the protest, which seeks the immediate suspension of the SIR exercise and the CEC’s resignation.

Karnataka’s SIR has reduced the electorate to 4.54 crore, with 99.76 lakh fewer voters on the final rolls, amid opposition allegations of irregular deletions and calls to suspend the exercise.

Karnataka’s electorate has fallen by around 99.76 lakh voters following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), bringing the total number of electors to 4,54,55,689, or approximately 4.54 crore. The exercise concluded on October 27, with the state having around 5.5 crore voters when the rolls were frozen on June 16. The final electoral roll includes 6.83 lakh new voters. Around 86.56 lakh electors are aged between 20 and 29, while those aged 30–39 form the largest age group, with approximately 1.02 crore voters. During the enumeration phase, around 1.08 crore voters, or 19.48 per cent of the electorate, were excluded from the draft list published on August 24. They were categorised as Absent, Shifted, Dead, Duplicate and Others (ASDDO). Voters classified as permanently shifted accounted for the largest share, at 65.45 lakh, representing 11.8 per cent of the ASDDO list. The Election Commission served 43.82 lakh notices to voters over “logical discrepancies” in their SIR enumeration forms. Following the notices phase, 43.2 lakh voters were included in the final list, while 61,867 were excluded. The revision began on June 20, with 59,050 Booth Level Officers (BLOs), 332 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) and 224 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) deployed across Karnataka. The state also had 5,905 BLO supervisors, each overseeing 10 BLOs, and 34 district commissioners designated as District Election Officers. The enumeration phase began on June 30 and was extended twice. Initially scheduled to end on July 29, the deadline was extended to August 8 because of the large number of voters requiring ASDDO classification. A further 10-day extension was subsequently announced. Also Read: Israel polls: Highest early turnout since 1973; Netanyahu’s Likud alleges fraud, ‘attempt to steal’ election The list comes amid SIR row The SIR has triggered political tensions, with opposition parties alleging voter disenfranchisement, irregular deletions and a lack of transparency under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has called for a nationwide “Chalo Delhi” rally under the slogan “Save the Vote – Save the Country” at Ramlila Maidan on November 1, 2026. He has urged students, farmers, workers and citizens to join the protest, which seeks the immediate suspension of the SIR exercise and the CEC’s resignation.

Karnataka’s SIR has reduced the electorate to 4.54 crore, with 99.76 lakh fewer voters on the final rolls, amid opposition allegations of irregular deletions and calls to suspend the exercise.

Karnataka’s final voter list shrinks by nearly 1 crore after revision amid SIR row

The Congress has announced widespread protests across states, districts and blocks on October 8, calling the day a “Black Day” for Indian democracy after its leaders were detained during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.&nbsp;The announcement came after Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition MPs were detained for the second consecutive day while protesting over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and demanding the CEC's resignation.&nbsp;<h2>Congress alleges lathi charge on leaders</h2>In a note issued by the AICC, the Congress alleged that its leaders were subjected to a lathi charge during Wednesday's protest, resulting in injuries.&nbsp;“Today, the BJP-led central government under Shri Narendra Modi crossed all limits. When INDIA bloc MPs—led by Hon'ble Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi—were marching peacefully towards Jantar Mantar to demand accountability from the Election Commission, they were stopped and subjected to force. Shri Rahul Gandhi, Smt. Priyanka Gandhi, our senior leaders, and INDIA bloc MPs were subjected to barbaric mistreatment and a lathi-charge, resulting in serious injuries,” the note signed by Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal read.&nbsp;The Congress termed the action an “attack on the Constitution” and said it would continue its campaign until Gyanesh Kumar is removed from his post.&nbsp;“This attack on the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and on elected representatives of the people is an attack on the Constitution itself. The Indian National Congress declares this day a ‘Black Day’ for Indian democracy. All Pradesh Congress Committees (PCCs), District Congress Committees (DCCs), and Block Congress Committees (BCCs) are directed to organise widespread protests at the state, district, and block/mandal levels tomorrow, Thursday, October 8, 2026,” the note stated.&nbsp;“The Indian National Congress will continue this fight relentlessly until Shri Gyanesh Kumar is removed from his post and the integrity of our electoral system is fully restored,” the note read.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-proposes-senior-diplomat-sudhakar-dalela-s-name-as-next-envoy-to-nepal-1791387979229">India proposes senior diplomat Sudhakar Dalela’s name as next envoy to Nepal</a><h2>Opposition protest turns tense in Delhi</h2>On Wednesday, Opposition MPs gathered in the national capital for a meeting chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. After the meeting, buses carrying Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other INDIA bloc MPs moved towards Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site.&nbsp;Delhi Police had imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) at Jantar Mantar, under which protests and marches were not permitted without prior approval.&nbsp;The situation turned tense as Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc MPs attempted to move past police barricades near Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police pushed the protesters back, following which the leaders were detained.<h2>Leaders detained on Tuesday too</h2>The latest detention came a day after Opposition MPs marched towards the Election Commission's office seeking a meeting with the poll panel over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue.&nbsp;After police stopped the march, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other leaders continued their protest at the Akashvani Bhavan premises. They were later detained after the sit-in continued for several hours.&nbsp;Delhi Police also registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, their supporters and other MPs following a complaint alleging that they entered the Akashvani Bhavan premises without permission during Tuesday's protest.&nbsp;The Congress has now directed its state, district and block units to hold protests on October 8 as its campaign against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR issue continues.

The Congress has declared Wednesday a “Black Day” for democracy after Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition MPs were detained for the second day in a row, and announced nationwide protests on October 8.

The Congress has announced widespread protests across states, districts and blocks on October 8, calling the day a “Black Day” for Indian democracy after its leaders were detained during protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The announcement came after Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition MPs were detained for the second consecutive day while protesting over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and demanding the CEC's resignation. Congress alleges lathi charge on leaders In a note issued by the AICC, the Congress alleged that its leaders were subjected to a lathi charge during Wednesday's protest, resulting in injuries. “Today, the BJP-led central government under Shri Narendra Modi crossed all limits. When INDIA bloc MPs—led by Hon'ble Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi—were marching peacefully towards Jantar Mantar to demand accountability from the Election Commission, they were stopped and subjected to force. Shri Rahul Gandhi, Smt. Priyanka Gandhi, our senior leaders, and INDIA bloc MPs were subjected to barbaric mistreatment and a lathi-charge, resulting in serious injuries,” the note signed by Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal read. The Congress termed the action an “attack on the Constitution” and said it would continue its campaign until Gyanesh Kumar is removed from his post. “This attack on the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and on elected representatives of the people is an attack on the Constitution itself. The Indian National Congress declares this day a ‘Black Day’ for Indian democracy. All Pradesh Congress Committees (PCCs), District Congress Committees (DCCs), and Block Congress Committees (BCCs) are directed to organise widespread protests at the state, district, and block/mandal levels tomorrow, Thursday, October 8, 2026,” the note stated. “The Indian National Congress will continue this fight relentlessly until Shri Gyanesh Kumar is removed from his post and the integrity of our electoral system is fully restored,” the note read. Also Read: India proposes senior diplomat Sudhakar Dalela’s name as next envoy to Nepal Opposition protest turns tense in Delhi On Wednesday, Opposition MPs gathered in the national capital for a meeting chaired by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. After the meeting, buses carrying Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other INDIA bloc MPs moved towards Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site. Delhi Police had imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) at Jantar Mantar, under which protests and marches were not permitted without prior approval. The situation turned tense as Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc MPs attempted to move past police barricades near Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police pushed the protesters back, following which the leaders were detained. Leaders detained on Tuesday too The latest detention came a day after Opposition MPs marched towards the Election Commission's office seeking a meeting with the poll panel over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue. After police stopped the march, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other leaders continued their protest at the Akashvani Bhavan premises. They were later detained after the sit-in continued for several hours. Delhi Police also registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, their supporters and other MPs following a complaint alleging that they entered the Akashvani Bhavan premises without permission during Tuesday's protest. The Congress has now directed its state, district and block units to hold protests on October 8 as its campaign against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR issue continues.

The Congress has declared Wednesday a “Black Day” for democracy after Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition MPs were detained for the second day in a row, and announced nationwide protests on October 8.

‘Black Day for democracy’, says Congress after MPs detained; announces nationwide protests on Oct 8

Delhi Police detained Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday as Opposition parties led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge marched to Jantar Mantar to protest Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. TMC MP Derek O'Brien and several Congress workers were also detained near Janpath as the Opposition continued its protest.&nbsp;The detention came as key Opposition MPs gathered in the national capital for a meeting chaired by Kharge. After the meeting, buses carrying Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition MPs moved towards Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site.&nbsp;The Opposition leaders also discussed drafting a letter to the CEC seeking an urgent meeting on the SIR issue.&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition decided to take its protest to Jantar Mantar after being told that they could not protest at the earlier location.&nbsp;"Yesterday, they said we cannot protest there, so we are taking the protest to Jantar Mantar... Gyanesh Kumar will have to resign. I want 100 FIRs on me; every FIR is a medal," Rahul Gandhi said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">#WATCH | Delhi: Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, along with other INDIA bloc MPs, being taken away from the spot near Jantar Mantar by the Police after detention. 

(Video: Congress) https://t.co/oOD9x9FHIJ&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2107812185825239367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h3>Heavy security deployed near Jantar Mantar</h3>Heavy security forces were deployed at Nirvachan Sadan as the Opposition march continued, with security also stepping up around Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;DCP Sachin Sharma said Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was in force at Jantar Mantar and protests or marches were not permitted without prior approval.&nbsp;He said MPs arriving with supporters would be treated respectfully and according to protocol, while police would request them to leave voluntarily.&nbsp;"Since all of them are MPs, we have to keep this in mind, and our behaviour towards them will be respectful and in accordance with proper protocol. We will request them to vacate the place on their own," Sharma said.<h3>Rahul Gandhi detained, FIR registered after Tuesday protest</h3>The latest protest came a day after Delhi Police detained Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several other INDIA bloc leaders following an hours-long protest at Akashvani Bhavan on Tuesday.&nbsp;The Opposition MPs had marched towards the Election Commission's office to demand a meeting with the poll panel over the SIR issue. After police stopped the march, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other leaders continued their protest at the Akashvani Bhavan premises. The leaders were later detained after the sit-in continued for several hours.&nbsp;On Wednesday, Delhi Police also registered an FIR against Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, their supporters and other MPs following a complaint alleging that they entered the Akashvani Bhavan premises without permission during Tuesday's protest.&nbsp;The Opposition INDIA bloc and other groups, including the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), are protesting against alleged irregularities in the SIR of electoral rolls and raising allegations of voter roll manipulation.&nbsp;The Opposition has demanded the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and has sought a meeting with the Election Commission over the issue.&nbsp;The protests have also gained momentum amid reports of internal differences within the Election Commission, with other commissioners reportedly raising objections over decisions taken during the electoral roll revision process.

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition leaders were detained as parties led by Mallikarjun Kharge marched to Jantar Mantar to protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Delhi Police detained Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday as Opposition parties led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge marched to Jantar Mantar to protest Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. TMC MP Derek O'Brien and several Congress workers were also detained near Janpath as the Opposition continued its protest. The detention came as key Opposition MPs gathered in the national capital for a meeting chaired by Kharge. After the meeting, buses carrying Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition MPs moved towards Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site. The Opposition leaders also discussed drafting a letter to the CEC seeking an urgent meeting on the SIR issue. Rahul Gandhi said the Opposition decided to take its protest to Jantar Mantar after being told that they could not protest at the earlier location. "Yesterday, they said we cannot protest there, so we are taking the protest to Jantar Mantar... Gyanesh Kumar will have to resign. I want 100 FIRs on me; every FIR is a medal," Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition leaders were detained as parties led by Mallikarjun Kharge marched to Jantar Mantar to protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

SIR protest: Rahul Gandhi, others detained as Opposition marches to Jantar Mantar against CEC

The Election Commission on Wednesday night (Sep 29) removed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) declaration added to Form 6, from its ECINET application portal in states where the revision has concluded. According to Indian Express report, the official confirmation comes four days after the ECI announced that “for non-SIR period, the Forms applicable as per Rules (the Registration of Electors Rules 1960) will be used.” The full Commission had decided on Sep 26 that the requirement would apply only during the exercise. Form 6 is the statutory form used by eligible citizens to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-nine-decisions-sir-ecinet-form-6-internal-rift-1790507131449">Election Commission on 'damage control' : What do nine new decisions mean?</a><h2>What this means?</h2>The declaration -- which has been removed now -- requires new applicants to show details linking themselves or their parents or grandparents to electoral rolls prepared during an earlier SIR. While it has been removed for states where SIR has been completed, it remains available on the ECINET portal in states and Union Territories where the SIR is underway. Therefore, in states where SIR has concluded, the new voters seeking enrolment will only have to fill the statutory Form 6 prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 and will not have to furnish details linking themselves to earlier SIR.&nbsp;<h2>The ECI controversy&nbsp;</h2>The ECI found itself in a major political row after an Indian Express report claimed that two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had objected to several points in the SIR at least 14 times in 10 months. Exposing the rift between the Commissioners and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the report alleged that major decisions regarding voter registration, the deletion/restoration of names, and the handling of the electoral roll database were being issued unilaterally by the CEC without their knowledge or consent. Joshi had objected to changes to the form on the grounds that a form prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, could not be modified without amending the rules. Sandhu had concurred with him. They explained that Form 6 cannot be altered or appended without a legal amendment enacted through the Union Law Ministry.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-sir-rti-response-an-jali-bhardwaj-june-24-order-1790516431918">SIR row: RTI response raises questions over EC’s claim of unanimous approval</a><h2>What was decided on Sep 26?</h2>The declaration asking new applicants to link themselves, their parents, or their grandparents to previous SIR rolls was the "additional declaration" that triggered internal dissent within the commission. On Sep 26, after the row created major controversy, the commissioners held a meeting. The ECI legally and procedurally decided that this declaration must only apply during active SIR periods and be entirely removed for non-SIR periods. It also decided that for any voter who receives an SIR notice for being "unmapped" or having "logical discrepancies," Booth Level Officers (BLOs) must physically visit their home to collect the required documents. The BLOs are then responsible for uploading them to the ECINet portal. Following the announcement, the technical removal took effect on Sep 29 late night.

The Election Commission has removed the SIR-linked declaration from Form 6 on its ECINET portal in states where the Special Intensive Revision has concluded. The move follows the EC’s September 26 clarification that standard forms would apply outside SIR periods.

The Election Commission on Wednesday night (Sep 29) removed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) declaration added to Form 6, from its ECINET application portal in states where the revision has concluded. According to Indian Express report, the official confirmation comes four days after the ECI announced that “for non-SIR period, the Forms applicable as per Rules (the Registration of Electors Rules 1960) will be used.” The full Commission had decided on Sep 26 that the requirement would apply only during the exercise. Form 6 is the statutory form used by eligible citizens to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll. Also Read: Election Commission on 'damage control' : What do nine new decisions mean? What this means? The declaration -- which has been removed now -- requires new applicants to show details linking themselves or their parents or grandparents to electoral rolls prepared during an earlier SIR. While it has been removed for states where SIR has been completed, it remains available on the ECINET portal in states and Union Territories where the SIR is underway. Therefore, in states where SIR has concluded, the new voters seeking enrolment will only have to fill the statutory Form 6 prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 and will not have to furnish details linking themselves to earlier SIR. The ECI controversy The ECI found itself in a major political row after an Indian Express report claimed that two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had objected to several points in the SIR at least 14 times in 10 months. Exposing the rift between the Commissioners and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the report alleged that major decisions regarding voter registration, the deletion/restoration of names, and the handling of the electoral roll database were being issued unilaterally by the CEC without their knowledge or consent. Joshi had objected to changes to the form on the grounds that a form prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, could not be modified without amending the rules. Sandhu had concurred with him. They explained that Form 6 cannot be altered or appended without a legal amendment enacted through the Union Law Ministry. Also Read: SIR row: RTI response raises questions over EC’s claim of unanimous approval What was decided on Sep 26? The declaration asking new applicants to link themselves, their parents, or their grandparents to previous SIR rolls was the "additional declaration" that triggered internal dissent within the commission. On Sep 26, after the row created major controversy, the commissioners held a meeting. The ECI legally and procedurally decided that this declaration must only apply during active SIR periods and be entirely removed for non-SIR periods. It also decided that for any voter who receives an SIR notice for being "unmapped" or having "logical discrepancies," Booth Level Officers (BLOs) must physically visit their home to collect the required documents. The BLOs are then responsible for uploading them to the ECINet portal. Following the announcement, the technical removal took effect on Sep 29 late night.

The Election Commission has removed the SIR-linked declaration from Form 6 on its ECINET portal in states where the Special Intensive Revision has concluded. The move follows the EC’s September 26 clarification that standard forms would apply outside SIR periods.

EC rolls back SIR add-on in Form 6 that was objected by two commissioners: What this means

Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam has approached the Election Commission seeking greater discretion for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) dealing with cases during the notice stage of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.&nbsp;The request is aimed at giving local election officials more flexibility while examining voter records and documents, particularly in cases where officials are satisfied with the explanation and supporting evidence submitted by an elector.&nbsp;One of the key proposals is to introduce an “Exempted from Hearing” option on the ECINET platform. This would allow EROs to waive a personal hearing when they find that the documents submitted by a voter are sufficient.&nbsp;The proposal could particularly help senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other voters who may face difficulties attending hearings in person.<h2>Greater flexibility over documents</h2>Chockalingam has also sought clarity and flexibility on the documents that can be accepted during the verification process.&nbsp;The Maharashtra CEO has pointed out that the documents listed in the notice should not necessarily be treated as an exhaustive list. EROs could be permitted to consider other relevant documents if they are satisfied about their authenticity and relevance.&nbsp;The move is significant because voters may not always possess documents specified in the standard list, particularly in cases involving older electoral records.<h2>Local officers may get more decision-making powers</h2>Another proposal seeks to empower EROs to dispose of certain cases involving logical discrepancies when the evidence provided by the voter is found satisfactory.&nbsp;At present, such cases may require additional verification or escalation. Greater discretion at the ERO level could allow straightforward cases to be resolved locally and potentially reduce the administrative burden on the election machinery.&nbsp;Chockalingam has also raised a technical issue concerning ECINET. He has proposed that uploading extracts from previous SIR electoral rolls should not be mandatory in every case where a discrepancy has already been established through the system.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-assembly-withdraws-bills-on-mlas-salaries-and-allowances-passes-pension-amendment-1790677215182">J&amp;K assembly withdraws bills on MLAs’ salaries and allowances, passes pension amendment</a><h2>Demand for clear guidelines</h2>The Maharashtra CEO has also sought detailed written instructions and FAQs for EROs handling the exercise.&nbsp;The request comes amid a large-scale verification process in the state, with election officials dealing with a significant number of voter records requiring clarification or documentation.&nbsp;The proposed changes are essentially aimed at giving field-level officers greater operational flexibility while ensuring that voters are not subjected to unnecessary hearings or procedural hurdles when their records and documents can be verified satisfactorily.&nbsp;The Election Commission will take a final view on the proposals and determine whether the requested changes to the SIR process and ECINET system are to be implemented in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Maharashtra CEO S Chockalingam has sought greater discretion for EROs during SIR, including waiving hearings and accepting additional documents when voters provide satisfactory evidence.

Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer S Chockalingam has approached the Election Commission seeking greater discretion for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) dealing with cases during the notice stage of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The request is aimed at giving local election officials more flexibility while examining voter records and documents, particularly in cases where officials are satisfied with the explanation and supporting evidence submitted by an elector. One of the key proposals is to introduce an “Exempted from Hearing” option on the ECINET platform. This would allow EROs to waive a personal hearing when they find that the documents submitted by a voter are sufficient. The proposal could particularly help senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other voters who may face difficulties attending hearings in person. Greater flexibility over documents Chockalingam has also sought clarity and flexibility on the documents that can be accepted during the verification process. The Maharashtra CEO has pointed out that the documents listed in the notice should not necessarily be treated as an exhaustive list. EROs could be permitted to consider other relevant documents if they are satisfied about their authenticity and relevance. The move is significant because voters may not always possess documents specified in the standard list, particularly in cases involving older electoral records. Local officers may get more decision-making powers Another proposal seeks to empower EROs to dispose of certain cases involving logical discrepancies when the evidence provided by the voter is found satisfactory. At present, such cases may require additional verification or escalation. Greater discretion at the ERO level could allow straightforward cases to be resolved locally and potentially reduce the administrative burden on the election machinery. Chockalingam has also raised a technical issue concerning ECINET. He has proposed that uploading extracts from previous SIR electoral rolls should not be mandatory in every case where a discrepancy has already been established through the system. Also Read: J&K assembly withdraws bills on MLAs’ salaries and allowances, passes pension amendment Demand for clear guidelines The Maharashtra CEO has also sought detailed written instructions and FAQs for EROs handling the exercise. The request comes amid a large-scale verification process in the state, with election officials dealing with a significant number of voter records requiring clarification or documentation. The proposed changes are essentially aimed at giving field-level officers greater operational flexibility while ensuring that voters are not subjected to unnecessary hearings or procedural hurdles when their records and documents can be verified satisfactorily. The Election Commission will take a final view on the proposals and determine whether the requested changes to the SIR process and ECINET system are to be implemented in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra CEO S Chockalingam has sought greater discretion for EROs during SIR, including waiving hearings and accepting additional documents when voters provide satisfactory evidence.

SIR in Maharashtra: Poll chief seeks more discretion for local election officers

Congress workers staged protests across several states on Friday, demanding the resignation and removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The nationwide demonstrations came amid the ongoing political dispute over the Election Commission (EC)'s functioning and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.&nbsp;Protests were reported in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh and Manipur, among other states. Congress workers marched towards EC offices and raised slogans against the CEC as the party intensified its opposition over the issue.&nbsp;In Dehradun, Uttarakhand Congress leaders and workers marched from the Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters towards the Election Office at the state Secretariat. The protest was led by state in-charge Kumari Selja and Pradesh Congress Committee president Ganesh Godiyal, with party workers seeking to gherao the office.<h3>Gaurav Gogoi detained during Assam protest</h3>In Assam, Congress president Gaurav Gogoi was detained by Assam Police during a protest demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. The detention came as the political row over the SIR of electoral rolls intensified.&nbsp;Speaking to ANI during the protest, Gogoi demanded Kumar's resignation and called for legal action against the Chief Election Commissioner over what he alleged were irregularities in the functioning of the EC.&nbsp;“Today, as people have come to know that Gyanesh Kumar Ji has committed a crime and committed an act of treason, he should resign today, and legal action should be taken against him,” Gogoi said.&nbsp;“Legal action should be taken against them, and they should be arrested. Along with Gyanesh Kumar, the ones sitting behind him—their masters, Prime Minister Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah Ji—should remember today that the country will not forgive them,” he quoted as saying by ANI.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-does-anti-incumbency-disappear-rahul-gandhi-alleges-vote-chori-calls-for-cec-s-resignation-1790252100302">‘How does anti-incumbency disappear?’: Rahul Gandhi alleges ‘vote chori’, calls for CEC’s resignation</a><h3>Rahul Gandhi attacks ECI over SIR</h3>The protests followed Rahul Gandhi's criticism of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and the Narendra Modi government on Thursday over the functioning of the Election Commission of India.&nbsp;Gandhi demanded Kumar's immediate resignation and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were the “main conspirators”. He also called for an investigation against them.&nbsp;Addressing a press conference on the ECI's functioning following media reports related to the SIR process, Gandhi said the issue was not limited to voting.&nbsp;“The thing to understand here is that if the vote has been destroyed, then our Constitution has been destroyed,” Gandhi said.&nbsp;The protests came amid an escalating political row over the SIR exercise following an investigative report by The Indian Express. The report said two sitting Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, had formally recorded objections at least 14 times over 10 months regarding procedures, database changes and the ongoing revision of voter lists.&nbsp;The Election Commission has rejected the characterisation of these objections as evidence of institutional dissent. It said operational queries, internal feedback and administrative suggestions during the drafting process are part of the normal functioning of a multi-member constitutional body. The ECI has maintained that all final decisions, including those concerning SIR, were unanimous.&nbsp;The SIR exercise and ECI functioning are expected to be discussed at the Congress Working Committee meeting on September 29.

Congress workers staged nationwide protests demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over the functioning of the SIR and the Election Commission, while Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi was detained during a demonstration.

Congress workers staged protests across several states on Friday, demanding the resignation and removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The nationwide demonstrations came amid the ongoing political dispute over the Election Commission (EC)'s functioning and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Protests were reported in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh and Manipur, among other states. Congress workers marched towards EC offices and raised slogans against the CEC as the party intensified its opposition over the issue. In Dehradun, Uttarakhand Congress leaders and workers marched from the Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters towards the Election Office at the state Secretariat. The protest was led by state in-charge Kumari Selja and Pradesh Congress Committee president Ganesh Godiyal, with party workers seeking to gherao the office. Gaurav Gogoi detained during Assam protest In Assam, Congress president Gaurav Gogoi was detained by Assam Police during a protest demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. The detention came as the political row over the SIR of electoral rolls intensified. Speaking to ANI during the protest, Gogoi demanded Kumar's resignation and called for legal action against the Chief Election Commissioner over what he alleged were irregularities in the functioning of the EC. “Today, as people have come to know that Gyanesh Kumar Ji has committed a crime and committed an act of treason, he should resign today, and legal action should be taken against him,” Gogoi said. “Legal action should be taken against them, and they should be arrested. Along with Gyanesh Kumar, the ones sitting behind him—their masters, Prime Minister Modi Ji and Home Minister Amit Shah Ji—should remember today that the country will not forgive them,” he quoted as saying by ANI. Also Read: ‘How does anti-incumbency disappear?’: Rahul Gandhi alleges ‘vote chori’, calls for CEC’s resignation Rahul Gandhi attacks ECI over SIR The protests followed Rahul Gandhi's criticism of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and the Narendra Modi government on Thursday over the functioning of the Election Commission of India. Gandhi demanded Kumar's immediate resignation and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were the “main conspirators”. He also called for an investigation against them. Addressing a press conference on the ECI's functioning following media reports related to the SIR process, Gandhi said the issue was not limited to voting. “The thing to understand here is that if the vote has been destroyed, then our Constitution has been destroyed,” Gandhi said. The protests came amid an escalating political row over the SIR exercise following an investigative report by The Indian Express. The report said two sitting Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, had formally recorded objections at least 14 times over 10 months regarding procedures, database changes and the ongoing revision of voter lists. The Election Commission has rejected the characterisation of these objections as evidence of institutional dissent. It said operational queries, internal feedback and administrative suggestions during the drafting process are part of the normal functioning of a multi-member constitutional body. The ECI has maintained that all final decisions, including those concerning SIR, were unanimous. The SIR exercise and ECI functioning are expected to be discussed at the Congress Working Committee meeting on September 29.

Congress workers staged nationwide protests demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over the SIR and Election Commission functioning, while Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi was detained during a demonstration.

SIR row: Congress stages nationwide protests, demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, Gaurav Gogoi detained

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SIR row: Congress protests nationwide, demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation