A workshop in Kalaburagi criticized the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process for disenfranchising millions of voters, making them feel like outsiders in their own country. Activists claimed it targets the poor, Dalits, and minorities. However, Election Commission data links actual deletions to deceased, migrated, or duplicate registrations.
On February 1, a one-day workshop on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was organized by Pragatipara Sanghatanegala Okkuta and Kalyana Karnataka Horata Samiti in Kalaburagi city. It focused on citizenship, voter lists, and the problems faced by poor and marginalized communities due to the SIR exercise.
Progressive thinker Shivasundar described the consequences of recent SIR-related exclusions. He said, “Removing deceased names and adding those who have turned 18 is the Election Commission’s job. No one opposes that, but denying citizens their official records under the SIR framework is a different matter. Without these documents, millions are being considered outsiders in their own country.” He cited Bihar, where 65 lakh people, including 18 lakh Muslims, have been excluded from the SIR list. Across 13 states, an estimated 6 crore people face similar scrutiny. Those born between 1987 and 2004 are required to submit documents proving not only their own birth but also that of their parents in India.
Activist K. Prakash explained that preparing the voter list is the Election Commission's job, but the current SIR verification goes beyond this. He said, “Being on the voter list has always been considered proof of being an Indian citizen. Now, even people who have voter identity cards are being asked for extra documents. Poor and marginalized communities are affected the most because they often do not have these papers.”
The workshop concluded with an interactive session with students. Presiding Basavaraj Deshmukh reminded attendees that every vote matters in a democracy and encouraged more such awareness programs.
At another event organized by the Committee for Protection of Constitution at Kannada Bhavana in Kalaburagi, Shivasundar claimed that the SIR exercise targets women, tribal communities, minorities, Dalits, and economically weaker sections. He said, “The SIR is not just a revision of electoral rolls, but a systematic war against minorities, tribal communities, Dalits, women and other marginalized sections of society.” He alleged political motives, claiming the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is using constitutional bodies like the Election Commission to serve electoral interests.
However, according to a Hindustan Times analysis, the SIR has resulted in a net deletion of 35.4 million voters (8.1%) in 12 states and Union territories where it has been completed. In Bihar, 4.8 million (6%) were deleted, but the number of voters did not fall in the 2025 assembly elections due to increased turnout. Deletions appear linked to deceased individuals, migrations, or duplicate registrations. Higher deletions in urban districts may be tied to migration patterns. There is a discrepancy in Bihar figures, with activists citing 65 lakh exclusions versus official data of 4.8 million, highlighting differences between claims and reported numbers.
Shivasundar referenced exclusions of 74 lakh voters in Tamil Nadu and nearly three crore in Uttar Pradesh, alleging most were Muslims or opponents of the ruling BJP. He called for collective resistance from civil society, students, youth, and progressive groups.
