SIR EXERCISE WEST BENGAL
Akhilesh Yadav criticises Yogi Adityanath over missing voters and electoral strategy in Uttar Pradesh
Akhilesh Yadav has launched criticism against Yogi Adityanath regarding his remarks on voter revisions in Uttar Pradesh's electoral rolls. Yadav questioned the legitimacy of the missing Hindu voters and highlighted concerns about changes in the rolls. Adityanath's claim of an '80:20' voter split has also been challenged by Yadav, indicating a potential political struggle ahead. The upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh are drawing near, with significant implications for both parties.
Akhilesh Yadav demands Aadhaar-linked voting, with metal cards replacing PVC and paper to avoid poll rigging
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has called for linking Aadhaar cards with voting and introducing fingerprint or iris-based biometric identification ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. He also proposed tamper-proof metal voter ID cards to prevent electoral fraud. His remarks come amid Opposition parties' protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Police kill man accused of raping and murdering niece in West Bengal, CM says police can retaliate in self-defence
Dilip Roy was killed in a police encounter while allegedly trying to flee. He was accused of raping and murdering his 12-year-old niece, whose body was found in a forest. Police had been searching for Roy for four days before tracking him down near the Bengal-Bihar border. Following his attack on the police, they retaliated in self-defense, resulting in his death.
'I will carry national flag across country, even if arrested': CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke at Kochi protest
A rally organized by the CJP commenced at Marine Drive in Kochi, led by actor Prakash Raj. The participants urged the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the withdrawal of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed that over 13 crore voters have been deleted nationwide during the revision process. Police were deployed to manage crowd control and ensure safety during the protest.
INDIA bloc aims to spread anarchy, bring Bangladesh-like regime change: Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar accused the INDIA bloc of attempting to undermine constitutional provisions regarding electoral rolls. He stated that allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision are unsubstantiated and misleading. Majumdar emphasised the historical context of numerous such revisions occurring under Congress rule. He highlighted that significant voter name deletions include shifts, duplicates, and deceased individuals.
Karnataka to probe electoral fraud, Form 7 misuse: Shivakumar
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced a police investigation into alleged electoral fraud by the BJP. He accused the party of manipulating voter rolls and distributing pre-filled Form 7 applications. Shivakumar highlighted the removal of many voters, especially from marginalized communities, during recent electoral processes. He emphasized the importance of protecting voting rights and restoring names to electoral rolls.
- Go To Page 1
Rahul Gandhi prefers street brawl than debate in Parliament, says BJP leader Sambit Patra
BJP leader Sambit Patra claimed that Rahul Gandhi avoids parliamentary debates and prefers street confrontations instead. He challenged Gandhi to engage with his own party members regarding the SIR exercise allegations. Patra defended the SIR process against Congress accusations and cited data on voter deletions. He emphasized the importance of the Election Commission as a constitutional body amidst opposition claims.
INDIA bloc intensifies protests against ECI-SIR, holds protests at Bengaluru
The INDIA bloc parties held a protest in Bengaluru against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and other leaders demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They alleged a lack of transparency in the electoral rolls revision process and expressed the need for justice for voters. District and block-level protests are planned to expand their campaign across Karnataka.
Voter ID to replace Aadhaar for welfare schemes and benefits? BJP government's plan sparks row
The Centre plans to require voter ID numbers and biometric authentication for welfare benefits. This proposal has sparked criticism from the CPI(M), which claims it could exclude vulnerable individuals from essential government schemes. Critics argue that many rural residents lack access to necessary technology, thereby hindering their ability to receive benefits.
Bengal govt to include Syama Prasad Mookerjee in school curriculum, drop Singur chapter
West Bengal's government plans to introduce lessons on Syama Prasad Mookerjee in the school curriculum. The chapter discussing the Singur anti-land acquisition movement will be removed from Class 8 textbooks. Information and Communication Technology will also be added as a subject for students in Classes 5 to 8. The government is currently considering rescheduling upcoming Madhyamik and Higher Secondary examinations to avoid conflicts.
SIR: EC separates Form 6, declaration in online submission process; mandates separate OTPs
The Election Commission has divided the voter enrolment process into separate submissions for Form 6 and declarations. This change occurred following a Supreme Court directive aimed at improving clarity in the application process. Previously enrolled voters can reapply if their names are missing from draft lists. The new system requires distinct OTP verifications and e-Signatures for successful submissions.
Govt ready to convene special Parliament session to discuss SIR: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the government was willing to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. His remarks came amid Opposition criticism of the exercise and demands for a discussion on its implementation and implications.
EC clarifies previously enrolled voters can submit Form 6 if names missing from draft rolls during SIR
The Election Commission of India has clarified procedures for voters missing from draft electoral rolls. Voters can submit Form 6 to seek inclusion in final rolls during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision. This submission will not be considered a false declaration if certain conditions are met. The clarification follows a recent Delhi High Court order concerning voter enrollment.
INDIA bloc to step up anti-SIR campaign with Bengaluru protest on Nov 5
On November 5, the INDIA bloc will hold a protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision. This event follows a similar protest that took place earlier in Delhi. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president BK Hariprasad has confirmed participation from multiple constituents of the INDIA bloc. The Congress party is also mobilizing its district units for protests across Karnataka.
Accept Amit Shah's challenge to debate SIR in Parliament: JD(U) to Rahul Gandhi
Janata Dal (United) has asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to engage in a debate regarding the SIR exercise. The party believes that accepting Amit Shah's challenge would demonstrate Gandhi's faith in parliamentary democracy. Additionally, JD(U) criticised Gandhi for his comments about Prime Minister Modi's leadership and foreign support. Congress responded by demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
West Bengal board proposes shifting 2027 Madhyamik exams from February to March
The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education has proposed a change in the 2027 Madhyamik examination schedule. They suggest rescheduling the exams from February 15 to 25 to March 2 to 16. This change is due to the deployment of teachers for the upcoming Census exercise. The Census will take place from January 25 to February 28 next year.
West Bengal SIR judges likely to get digital signatures within five days, ending month-long standoff over Aadhaar login
Judges hearing appeals related to electoral rolls in West Bengal are expected to utilize digital signatures shortly. This change aims to resolve a prolonged standoff that prevented the processing of appeals. Retired Calcutta High Court judge Indrajit Chatterjee has resumed his work on appeals in Murshidabad. The Election Commission of India is considering relocating some tribunals closer to Kolkata.
What BJP is doing to blunt Opposition's 'vote chori' charge
SIR news: BJP has initiated a nationwide campaign called 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' to counter opposition protests. Senior leaders will conduct padyatras in various states and challenge the opposition's claims. The campaign addresses the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which is currently under scrutiny. BJP intends to engage with the public through targeted programs, social media, and public meetings.
Mamata Banerjee's nameplate removed, painted orange at Nandan while Jyoti Basu's plaque remains intact
Mamata Banerjee's nameplate was removed from the main hall of Kolkata's cultural centre Nandan and painted over. This action occurred before the annual Kolkata International Film Festival, while Jyoti Basu's plaque remains intact. Banerjee participated in a mega rally in Delhi addressing alleged electoral irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision exercise. She accused the BJP of looting West Bengal and emphasized the need to protect democracy.
Rahul Gandhi being used by foreign powers to destabilise India: Nitin Nabin
Nitin Nabin criticized opposition parties during a rally in Bhagalpur as part of the BJP's campaign. He accused Rahul Gandhi of being manipulated by foreign powers to incite anarchy in India. Nabin stated that opposition parties struggled to present complaints during the electoral process due to insufficient grassroots support. He pointed out that past elections demonstrated voters rejecting the Congress-led UPA due to various issues.
'Fake AI photo to show Ramlila ground was full': Kiren Rijiju targets Congress over rally image
Kiren Rijiju criticized the Congress for allegedly using AI-generated images to enhance crowd attendance claims. The INDIA bloc organized a rally at Ramlila Maidan to address issues regarding electoral rolls. Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of facilitating vote theft during the event. BJP's Sambit Patra questioned the turnout, claiming many seats remained empty at the venue.
At INDIA bloc rally, Mamata extends support to CJP, Gen Z; says Bengal victim of SIR
Mamata Banerjee expressed support for CJP leadership and Gen Z activists at a recent rally. She accused the BJP of manipulating elections through the Special Intensive Revision exercise targeting opposition states. Banerjee emphasised the need for unity among opposition parties and citizens to protect democracy. She highlighted the role of agencies in facilitating the ruling party's political agenda. Banerjee called for collective efforts to defeat the BJP and restoring democracy.
Akhilesh Yadav accuses BJP of using Election Commission to influence polls, vows INDIA bloc won't accept defeat at Ramlila Maidan rally
Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the BJP is manipulating the Election Commission to influence upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh. He claimed that the names of eligible voters had been wrongfully deleted from electoral rolls, impacting electoral fairness. The INDIA bloc held a rally in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan to protest against these alleged irregularities and to rally support.
SIR: Extended timelines spark controversy across states
The Election Commission of India plans multiple timeline extensions for the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. Bihar completed its process quickly, but most other states needed additional time. Delhi has the most extensions, now totaling over 176 days. Several states, including Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, are facing delays in finalising their electoral rolls. These prolonged timelines reflect ongoing issues with voter application discrepancies and entry verifications.
ECI once again defers SIR in Tripura ahead of urban civic body polls
The Election Commission of India has revised the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. This revision will now begin on December 15, 2026, and continue through January 25, 2027. Booth Level Officers will conduct house-to-house visits during this period to update the rolls. The draft electoral rolls are set to be published on February 1, 2027, for public claims.
ECI extends timeline for SIR electoral rolls in Delhi and five states
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has extended the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in six states and Union Territories: Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Nagaland and Telangana. The revised timelines provide additional time for filing claims and objections and disposing of them. Delhi's final electoral roll will be published on December 22, while the other five will publish their updated lists on November 30.
Karnataka minister's defence of SIR leaves Congress in tight spot ahead of Nov 1 Delhi protest
Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi defended the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists in Karnataka. His defense contradicted concerns raised by Home Minister Priyank Kharge regarding irregularities in specific districts. Kharge highlighted issues like deceased individuals being incorrectly marked as living and bulk applications lacking verification. The opposition BJP capitalized on the discord, criticizing the Congress's contradiction of its leadership's claims.
SC to ECI: Why should previously enrolled electorate file Form 6 as first-time voter?
Justice Joymalya Bagchi said Forms 6, 7 and 8 are statutory forms whose prescribed formats cannot be altered by ECI although it can seek additional particulars from applicants. The observation came amid concerns over requiring previously enrolled voters to seek fresh enrolment instead of providing an appropriate mechanism to restore their names to the roll.
SC must restore previous elected govt in West Bengal: Abhishek Banerjee after court's SIR observations
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee raised concerns about the electoral legitimacy of the current BJP government in West Bengal. He urged the Supreme Court to restore the previous government and conduct fresh elections within six months. The Supreme Court is evaluating the Election Commission's handling of electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. Banerjee emphasized the need to reinstate all eligible voters excluded from the rolls.
Load More
