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Key Points

Kerala's political parties came together in a rare show of unity against the Election Commission's special revision plan. They're worried this could lead to massive voter exclusions, particularly affecting minority communities. The Assembly resolution specifically warned about the potential misuse for implementing controversial citizenship laws. Ultimately, they're demanding the Commission withdraw this approach and ensure fair electoral processes.

Key Points: Kerala Assembly Unanimously Opposes Election Commission SIR Move

  • Kerala's ruling LDF and opposition UDF united against SIR exercise
  • Resolution warns SIR could enable backdoor NPR implementation
  • Concerns raised about arbitrary voter deletions affecting marginalized communities
  • Assembly demands transparent electoral roll updates instead of SIR
2 min read

Kerala Assembly passes unanimous resolution against SIR in State

Kerala Assembly passes unanimous resolution against Election Commission's special intensive revision, citing concerns over voter exclusion and CAA implementation.

"Such haste casts a shadow of doubt over the Election Commission's intentions - Assembly Resolution"

Thiruvananthapuram, September 29

Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) joined forces on Monday to pass a unanimous resolution in the Assembly opposing the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s move to conduct a special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the State.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan moved the resolution in the House. The Opposition extended its support, and the resolution was passed after incorporating their suggestions. The Chief Minister accepted two amendments proposed by MLA N. Shamsudheen, while the Speaker rejected the remaining amendments.

The resolution expressed serious concern that the SIR exercise could become a backdoor attempt to implement the National Population Register. Citing the process conducted in Bihar, it warned that arbitrary deletions from the voters' list reflected a "politics of exclusion" that could be extended nationwide.

"The SIR, which requires long-term preparation and wide consultation, is being rushed through in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, all states on the threshold of elections. Such haste casts a shadow of doubt over the Election Commission's intentions," the resolution stated.

By presenting the resolution, CM Pinarayi Vijayan pointed out that Kerala is set to hold local body elections soon, followed by Assembly polls. In this context, conducting the SIR was described as "malicious." It also noted that the current revision is based on the 2002 intensive revision, which it termed "unscientific."

Highlighting concerns over SIR norms, the resolution said that those born after 1987 are being asked to provide either parent's citizenship documents, while those born after 2003 must produce both parents' documents to register as voters. Such conditions, it said, amount to a violation of the universal adult franchise guaranteed under Article 326 of the Constitution.

Experts warn that marginalised groups, including minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and the poor, are most vulnerable to being disenfranchised by these rules. The Assembly also emphasised the need to protect the voting rights of expatriates.

The resolution further alleged that the SIR could be misused to advance the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which it said "communalises citizenship" and poses a threat to democracy.

In conclusion, the Assembly demanded that the Election Commission withdraw from such measures and instead carry out a transparent and fair update of the electoral rolls.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Asking for parents' citizenship documents for voters born after 1987? This is clearly unconstitutional. Many people from poor backgrounds don't have proper documentation. This will disenfranchise millions!
D
David E
While I understand the concerns, shouldn't we ensure the electoral rolls are accurate? There have been many cases of duplicate voters and ghost entries. Maybe the EC is trying to clean up the system?
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Shreya B
As a woman from a tribal community, I'm really worried about these new rules. Many women in my village don't have proper documents. This feels like they're trying to take away our voting rights. 😔
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Arjun K
The timing is suspicious - only in opposition-ruled states before elections? Why not do this nationwide with proper planning? This reeks of political manipulation. Kerala Assembly did the right thing!
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Meera T
The connection to CAA is concerning. First they bring CAA, then NPR, now this SIR exercise. It's all connected to create a registry that can be used to exclude certain communities. Democracy is under threat.

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