Kerala Assembly unanimously passes resolution against SIR; Know full story here

CM Pinarayi Vijayan argued that SIR promotes a “politics of exclusion” and risks disenfranchising minorities, SC/ST communities, women, poor families, and overseas voters.

New Delhi: The Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Election Commission of India's (ECI) decision to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in the state. The resolution, presented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was supported by all political parties including the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF).

This makes the Kerala Legislative Assembly first in the country to bring a resolution against SIR. The resolution highlights that the Election Commission’s move has caused serious concern that the SIR could be used as a backdoor way to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

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Citizenship Amendment Act might use the SIR

It states, “How those trying to revive the Citizenship Amendment Act might use the SIR poses a serious challenge to democracy.

The Election Commission must refrain from any action that could infringe on fundamental rights, and any revision of the voter list should be carried out in a fully transparent manner.”

Marginalised groups might lose their right to vote

The Assembly voiced worries that marginalised groups, such as women, EWS families, SC, ST, and minorities, might lose their right to vote as a result of the SIR process. Concerns were also raised regarding the possible exclusion of voters who are not residents and the Indian community living abroad.

The opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front and the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front in Kerala have publicly opposed the plan to hold a SIR using the 2002 voter rolls as the basis. Both sides worry that a large number of eligible voters would be removed from the list as a result of such an exercise.

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As a result, the Assembly unanimously passed the resolution and applauded the decision to conduct SIRs throughout the nation, including Kerala.  The resolution suggested that SIR poses a "grave challenge" to the democracy of India.

SIR controversy in Bihar

SIR has been caught in controversy in Bihar. Civil society organisations and political parties have claimed that the process has resulted in widespread deletions that disproportionately impact women, migrants, and marginalised communities.

Kerala's resolution now echoes the worries expressed in Bihar that SIR might undermine the idea of universal adult suffrage.