Smriti Irani launches BJP’s counterattack as Congress-EC battle intensifies. (Img: X)
New Delhi: The political battle between the BJP and Congress over the Election Commission of India has intensified after BJP leader Smriti Irani accused the opposition party of targeting a constitutional institution instead of reviewing its electoral setbacks.
The controversy has erupted around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with Congress questioning the process and the BJP defending it as an exercise to clean and update voter databases.
With allegations, counter-allegations and demands involving the Chief Election Commissioner, the issue has now become a major political flashpoint over election transparency, democratic institutions and voter rights.
## Smriti Irani Targets Congress Over Election Commission Controversy
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, BJP leader Smriti Irani accused Congress of creating doubts around the Election Commission’s credibility after facing repeated electoral challenges.
She said political parties have the right to question governments and policies but argued that constitutional institutions should not become the target of political battles.
The BJP leader claimed that the Election Commission remains one of the most important pillars of India’s democratic framework and has conducted elections across the country through established legal procedures.
Her remarks came amid an escalating war of words between the BJP and Congress over the voter roll revision process.
## SIR Row: BJP Defends Voter List Verification Process
A major part of the political confrontation revolves around the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The BJP has defended the exercise, arguing that voter databases require regular updates to remove errors, duplicate entries and outdated records.
Smriti Irani questioned why Congress was opposing verification measures aimed at identifying duplicate names and entries of deceased persons in electoral lists.
The BJP leader referred to the Election Commission’s clarification that Booth Level Officers are carrying out verification work, including physical visits and document checks wherever required.
The ruling party has maintained that accurate electoral rolls are essential for free and fair elections.
## Congress Raises Questions Over SIR, Demands Action Against EC Officials
The BJP’s response came after the Congress Working Committee raised serious objections over the SIR process.
The Congress demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, suspension of the voter revision exercise and restoration of voter names that it claimed were removed during the process.
The party also alleged that concerns raised during internal discussions within the Election Commission showed questions regarding the procedure followed during SIR.
Reports cited by Congress referred to objections raised by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi regarding certain aspects of the process.
The Election Commission has maintained that internal discussions, differing opinions and institutional deliberations are part of its functioning and that final decisions follow legal procedures.
## BJP Questions Congress’ Stand On Duplicate Voters
Smriti Irani questioned Congress’ objections regarding removal of duplicate and deceased voter entries.
The BJP argued that maintaining outdated voter records could affect the accuracy of electoral rolls and the credibility of the election process.
The party has repeatedly maintained that voter verification is not about removing genuine voters but about ensuring that electoral databases remain updated.
Congress, however, has argued that revision exercises must be transparent and should not result in eligible citizens losing voting rights.
The disagreement has turned the SIR exercise into a larger political debate over electoral reforms and voter protection.
## Smriti Irani Brings Congress History Into Political Attack
During her press conference, Smriti Irani also responded to Congress references to historical events, including the Lahore Congress Session.
She referred to the history of the Indian National Congress and mentioned the role of A.O. Hume in the organisation’s formation during British rule.
Irani used the historical reference to target Congress over its criticism of the Election Commission.
The Congress has traditionally highlighted its contribution to India’s freedom movement and democratic institutions, while political opponents have often debated different aspects of its historical journey.
## Election Commission Row Becomes Bigger BJP-Congress Battle
The SIR controversy has now moved beyond a technical debate over voter lists and become part of a larger political confrontation.
The BJP has framed the issue around protecting constitutional institutions and improving electoral accuracy.
Congress has positioned the debate around transparency, accountability and safeguarding voters’ democratic rights.
The clash reflects a wider political battle over how election processes, institutions and reforms are viewed by different parties.
## Why The SIR Debate Matters For Voters
Electoral rolls form the foundation of India’s election system because only registered voters can participate in democratic elections.
Political parties regularly raise concerns about voter inclusion, deletion of names, duplicate entries and verification procedures.
The ongoing debate has brought attention to the balance between removing incorrect entries and ensuring that genuine voters are not excluded.
As political parties prepare for upcoming electoral contests, voter list management is expected to remain a key issue.
## What Happens Next In EC And SIR Controversy
The BJP and Congress are expected to continue their political battle over the Election Commission and voter revision process.
Congress has indicated that it will raise the issue through political campaigns, legal forums and parliamentary discussions.
The BJP is continuing to defend the Election Commission and the SIR exercise, arguing that electoral reforms strengthen democracy.
The controversy is likely to remain a major political talking point as debates over elections, institutions and voter rights continue.
