In a pointed critique of opposition tactics, Uttar Pradesh Minister Dilip Jaiswal has underscored the critical need for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process to purify voter lists ahead of upcoming elections. Speaking at a press conference in Lucknow on Wednesday, Jaiswal dismissed Congress party’s efforts as futile and misguided.
The minister highlighted rampant issues like fake voters, duplicate entries, and outdated records plaguing electoral rolls across the state. ‘Without a thorough SIR drive, no amount of political posturing will clean up the mess,’ he asserted. Jaiswal accused Congress leaders of attempting superficial fixes that skirt established electoral protocols, rendering their initiatives ineffective.
Detailed data presented by the minister revealed thousands of discrepancies in key constituencies, including ghost voters linked to deceased individuals and multiple registrations under single identities. He emphasized that the SIR mechanism, mandated under Election Commission guidelines, employs door-to-door verification by booth-level officers to ensure accuracy.
Jaiswal further criticized Congress for spreading misinformation about the process, claiming it disenfranchises legitimate voters. ‘This is a deliberate attempt to protect their vote-bank politics,’ he charged. The state government, he added, is fully committed to implementing SIR transparently to bolster democratic integrity.
Political analysts note that clean voter lists could significantly impact closely contested seats, potentially tilting balances in favor of thorough governance over populist rhetoric. As preparations intensify, Jaiswal urged all parties to cooperate rather than obstruct. The SIR rollout is slated to commence next month, promising a more credible electoral landscape.