Congress Demands Halt to SIR, Restoration of 130 million Voters and Modi's Resignation
The Congress Working Committee called for an immediate stop to the Special Intensive Revision, the reinstatement of 130 million voters removed from rolls, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation.
The Congress Working Committee resolved to halt the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and restore 130 million voters who were struck off electoral rolls, simultaneously demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi step down. General secretary KC Venugopal outlined a strategy of coordinated protests at state, district and booth levels, involving allies in the INDIA bloc. The party redirected criticism from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to Modi, claiming the SIR exercise required his and Amit Shah’s approval.
Mallikarjun Kharge called for comprehensive data on roll changes, independent investigations, and a clear appeals process for affected voters. Rahul Gandhi invoked the 1929 Lahore session to frame the fight as a continuation of the independence struggle, while the Congress vowed to resist the perceived “vote-demonetisation” through peaceful demonstrations.
Why it matters
The demand targets a process that could disenfranchise millions, affecting India's democratic legitimacy.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report Congress demanding a halt to the SIR and restoration of millions of voters, but left-leaning coverage emphasizes protest coordination and historic framing, while centrist coverage stresses moral accusations and calls for resignations of Modi and Shah.
LEFT
Congress is portrayed as mobilizing coordinated protests and invoking the independence struggle while blaming Modi and Shah for the SIR.
CENTER
Congress is portrayed as demanding resignations on moral grounds, accusing Modi and Shah of orchestrating "vote chori" and calling for a halt to the SIR.
The left emphasises
- halt the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
- restore 130 million voters struck off the rolls
- coordinate protests at state, district and booth levels
- frame the fight as a continuation of the independence struggle
How this story developed
- Sep 23 Election Commission denies internal dissent, says all decisions were unanimous
- Sep 23 Congress senior filed a petition urging the Supreme Court to intervene and summon the Election Commission members.
- Sep 25 A Supreme Court petition seeking criminal prosecution of the chief election commissioner was filed.
- Sep 26 The Election Commission announced that Booth Level Officers will visit voters flagged in the SIR to collect supporting documents, with online hearings and additional help desks to be established.
- Sep 27 Opposition parties announced nationwide rallies and a parliamentary motion to force the CEC’s resignation following the removal of over 130 million voter names.
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