Punjab CM Mann demands scrapping of SIR

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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday demanded that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls be scrapped, alleging that the exercise threatened voting rights and calling for an impartial investigation into reported irregularities.

Addressing the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mann accused the BJP of manipulating electoral rolls by adding votes in its favour and removing those of Opposition supporters. He also alleged that ‘vote theft’ had influenced election results in Bihar, West Bengal, Haryana and Maharashtra. These claims were made by the chief minister during the Assembly debate.

The House subsequently passed a resolution opposing the SIR exercise by voice vote, expressing concern over the possible exclusion of eligible voters.

Mann said the right to vote was a constitutional entitlement, not a favour granted by any government. He argued that every eligible citizen should be able to vote without facing arbitrary exclusion or unnecessary hurdles in establishing their eligibility.

“The right to vote is not a favour bestowed by any government. It is the foundation of democratic participation,” he said.

Invoking the Constitution and the vision of Dr BR Ambedkar, Mann said equality, dignity and political participation were central to democratic governance. He called for transparency in the revision process and an impartial inquiry into alleged discrepancies in electoral rolls.

He also questioned why objections in the Assembly constituency had reportedly been raised only after protests began. Referring to reported differences among Election Commissioners over the Commission’s decision-making, he said its functioning should be subject to public scrutiny.