Yogi Adityanath defends voter list cleanup amid calls for CEC resignation
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said removing illegally added ineligible names from the voter list is vital for India's security, while opposition groups demand Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar step down.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath posted on X that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise should identify and delete ineligible names that were illegally added to the electoral roll, describing the process as essential for the country's security, unity and integrity. He highlighted the need to verify entries for deceased individuals, permanent migrants and duplicate records, and called on every adult to ensure their name appears on the voter list.
His comments arrive amid mounting pressure from opposition parties, student organisations and civil-society groups demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who they accuse of overseeing a large-scale removal of eligible voters. The Election Commission has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the roll revision is being carried out according to established rules. The controversy reflects broader tensions over electoral reforms and voter-list accuracy in India.
Why it matters
The debate over voter-list revisions impacts electoral fairness and public trust in India's democratic process.
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.
- Oct 2 The Cockroach Janata Party and a coalition of student activists will protest in Mumbai and New Delhi, calling for Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to step down over disputed voter-list changes.
- Oct 2 The Supreme Court agreed to hear a petition questioning the Election Commission’s decision‑making next week.
- Oct 5 Delhi police deployed roughly 5,000 officers and paramilitary units ahead of two anti‑CEC marches.
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