SIR row: Punjab Assembly passes resolution against Gyanesh Kumar

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The Punjab Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution calling for safeguards to protect eligible voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The resolution, moved by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, urged the Union Government and constitutional authorities to ensure transparency, impartial scrutiny of discrepancies in voter lists and accountability in the electoral process.
Addressing the House, Cheema said protecting every eligible citizen’s right to vote was essential to Indian democracy. He cited Articles 324, 325 and 326 of the Constitution, which deal with the Election Commission’s powers, non-discrimination in electoral rolls and adult suffrage.

Recalling the struggle for universal voting rights, Cheema paid tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar for his role in laying the constitutional foundations for equality and democratic participation.
He expressed concern over reports of large-scale deletions from electoral rolls and the exclusion of eligible voters in different parts of the country. He said such allegations needed an impartial investigation to maintain public confidence in democratic institutions.

He further stressed the need for transparency, neutrality and accountability in the functioning of the Election Commission under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The resolution urged the Union Government and relevant constitutional authorities to protect voting rights, order an impartial inquiry into reported discrepancies and fix responsibility wherever irregularities were established.

Copies of the resolution will be sent to the President, Prime Minister and Chief Election Commissioner for further action, Cheema further said.

Several MLAs, including Inderjit Kaur Mann, Dr Ishank Kumar, Manpreet Singh Ayali, Dr Amandeep Kaur, Rupinder Singh Happy, Dr Nachhatar Pal, Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi, Professor Baljinder Kaur and Amolak Singh, supported the resolution. Cabinet Minister Aman Arora also backed the move.