Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar today said that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has been widely appreciated by electorates, political parties and other stakeholders of the democracy. Replying to the questions over several criticisms of the SIR during the press conference in Patna, Mr Kumar said the SIR was undertaken lawfully and according to provisions.
The CEC was talking to the media after the completion of a two-day visit to Bihar over the preparedness of the assembly elections in Bihar. Mr Kumar said all stakeholders participated in the SIR drive, and after the draft publication of the Electoral Rolls, 3.66 lakh voters came forward to remove their names from the list, sensing their responsibility. The CEC praised the commitment and devotion of BLOs for the successful completion of SIR.
He added that 17 new initiatives have been rolled out to conduct free, fair and peaceful assembly elections in Bihar, and it will be a great experience for the electorate who will go to cast their votes. On the inclusion of Aadhaar in the documents for the upcoming SIR in the country, Mr Kumar said Aadhaar will remain proof of identity, not citizenship, and the decision has been upheld by the Supreme Court.
Earlier, the full Election Commission held review meetings with different stakeholders, including political parties, administrative officers, the Chief Secretary, the DGP, nodal officers of state police forces and Central police forces and various enforcement agencies.
