Exclusive: Amid Bihar SIR row, ex-poll officers back idea but question 'timing'

Three former Chief Election Commissioners on Monday defended the concept of a Systematic Investigation of Rolls (SIR) but expressed concern over its timing and implementation in Bihar, saying voter lists are “bound to have errors” and should not become a flashpoint just ahead of polls.

Speaking at the India Today South Conclave, SY Quraishi, OP Rawat, and Ashok Lavasa addressed the opposition’s allegations of “vote chori” (vote theft) and claims that the Election Commission was colluding with the BJP to manipulate voter rolls.

‘VOTER LISTS NEVER PERFECT’

The former poll officers underlined that no electoral roll is flawless and discrepancies are inevitable.
“Voters’ lists are never perfect. They are bound to have errors, and this has been the case throughout history,” one of the commissioners said, adding that such imperfections do not amount to fraud.

Conclave South: Full Coverage

SIR MAKES SENSE, BUT TIMING OFF

While backing the principle behind SIR, meant to systematically investigate and clean up voter rolls, the former ECs questioned why the exercise was launched in Bihar at this time.

“The concept is good, but the timing and choice of state raise questions. Bihar is flood-hit, and the state is heading into elections. Initiating such an exercise now can create unnecessary controversy,” one of them noted.

‘VOTE CHORI’ CLAIMS POLITICAL RHETORIC

Rejecting the narrative of large-scale electoral fraud, the former ECs said Indian elections are broadly free and fair, and charges of “vote chori” were part of political rhetoric that surfaces in every election season.

“Allegations of fraud are more political than factual. These claims are akin to routine accusations raised during elections,” they remarked.

- Ends