In New Delhi, S Y Quraishi, the former Chief Election Commissioner, has expressed strong criticism of the Election Commission regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He argues that the current approach prioritizes exclusion over inclusion, which he believes undermines the democratic process and disrupts the integrity of free and fair elections.

Quraishi highlighted that the focus of the SIR process seems to be on how many voters can be removed from the rolls, suggesting that the Commission is being evaluated on its ability to exclude individuals rather than ensuring their participation. This statement was made in conjunction with the release of his new book, 'India and I: A Hundred Memories, Not a Memoir', published by Hachette India, which recounts various experiences from his life.

He emphasized that voter registration is a constitutional right, yet the current situation implies that it is a privilege granted by the Election Commission. Quraishi criticized the SIR process for being unfairly executed, stating that the emphasis on exclusion is detrimental.

Reflecting on his tenure, Quraishi noted that during his time, the policy was clear: polling staff were instructed to overlook minor errors in voter information to ensure no eligible voter was excluded. In contrast, he claims the current approach is excessively focused on disqualifying voters, resulting in millions being removed from the electoral rolls.

He expressed concern that this trend has severely impacted democracy, warning that the nation should be alarmed by the implications of such practices. Quraishi, who served as Chief Election Commissioner from July 30, 2010, to June 10, 2012, recalled that his team regularly updated the electoral rolls to maintain accuracy, and the process was streamlined to avoid unnecessary complications.

Quraishi pointed out that the current SIR exercise, initiated under the pretext of identifying illegal immigrants, has caused significant inconvenience to approximately eight crore individuals, yet the actual number of foreigners identified remains unclear. He criticized the Election Commission for not disclosing these figures, questioning the fairness of the process.

He also addressed the criticism from UN Special Rapporteurs regarding the SIR, stating that while it is unfortunate for foreign entities to comment on India's electoral processes, it is essential to investigate and respond to such concerns seriously.

On the recent requirement for new voters to provide parental details in Form 6, Quraishi argued that this adds unnecessary hurdles for voters, contradicting the constitutional right to register. He reiterated that the SIR is currently being implemented in 16 states and three Union Territories, affecting over 36.73 crore voters.

The states involved include Delhi, Odisha, Mizoram, and several others, with some being governed by opposition parties. Previous SIR exercises have taken place in various states, including Bihar and West Bengal.