CPI protests in Delhi, demands withdrawal of SIR, SSR

Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary D Raja on Tuesday led a protest in Delhi against the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls, with protesters also demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Carrying red party flags and the national flag, CPI workers and supporters gathered in the national capital to oppose the electoral roll revision exercises and raise concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission.

The protesters demanded the withdrawal of both SIR and SSR, alleging that the revision exercises could affect the voting rights of eligible citizens. They also called for the removal of the chief election commissioner.

The demonstration comes amid a series of protests by opposition parties and civil society groups against the SIR exercise. Opposition leaders have alleged irregularities in the revision process and demanded greater transparency in the preparation of electoral rolls.

On Monday, Raja said the demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation was gaining momentum. He announced that the CPI would organise a human chain on October 30 and participate in an INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1.

The Election Commission, meanwhile, has defended its handling of the SIR process, telling the Supreme Court that decisions concerning the exercise were taken unanimously by the commission.

The latest protest adds to the ongoing political confrontation over electoral roll revisions and accountability within the poll panel.