India’s Election Commission (EC) is facing heavy criticism from major political parties in Kerala, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Congress. The controversy stems from the EC’s decision to proceed with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state, despite strong objections raised by the State Legislative Assembly.
During a meeting with Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer, Rathan Kelkar, senior political figures, excluding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), voiced their concerns. They emphasized that rolling out the SIR process while the 2025 local body elections are on the horizon would inevitably complicate and potentially derail the electoral exercise. They urged Mr. Kelkar to convey their request for a reconsideration of this decision to the Election Commission of India. Many also suggested that Kerala’s inclusion in this round of SIR, especially when states like Assam have been exempted, might be driven by ulterior motives.
CPI(M) Voices Strong Opposition
Representing the CPI(M), senior leader M.V. Jayarajan registered his party’s firm protest, labelling the simultaneous conduct of SIR and local body elections as “impractical.” He highlighted that the State Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution opposing the SIR, proposing it be postponed until after the local polls. Additionally, the party’s request to recognize ration cards as valid identification for the revision was ignored by the EC. Mr. Jayarajan later indicated to the media that the CPI(M) plans to explore legal options regarding the EC’s decision, expressing significant apprehension that the SIR could be a covert means to implement the National Register of Citizens.
Congress Echoes Concerns
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president and MLA Sunny Joseph reiterated the Congress’s demand to defer the SIR until after the local elections, characterizing the EC’s move as a “declaration of war” against the populace. He pointed out an ongoing case in the Supreme Court concerning the matter, whose verdict is still pending. The combined timing of the SIR and local body polls, he argued, creates an unnecessary conflict. The Communist Party of India (CPI), Indian Union Muslim League, Kerala Congress, Kerala Congress (M), and the Revolutionary Socialist Party also joined the chorus of disapproval against the EC’s decision.
BJP Stands Apart
In contrast, the BJP publicly supported the EC’s decision but stressed the need for adequate safeguards to prevent any disruption to the local body elections. BJP general secretary S. Suresh stated during the meeting that a “purified” electoral list is essential before Kerala’s 2026 Assembly elections. Other attendees included C.P. Cheriya Muhammed (IUML State secretary), Sathyan Mokeri (CPI), P.G. Presanna Kumar (RSP), Joy Abraham (Kerala Congress), and Stephen George (Kerala Congress (M)). Chief Electoral Officer Rathan Kelkar, along with Additional CEO Sharmila C. and other election officials, were also present.
CPI Calls it “Ill-timed”
Binoy Viswam, CPI State secretary, called upon the EC to abandon its “ill-timed” SIR initiative. He advocated for a unified front against the SIR, which he believes is designed to create discrimination among states and grant political advantages to the central ruling party.