Kerala Election Commission Seeks Extension for Special Intensive Revision

Thiruvananthapuram: The Chief Election Commissioner in Kerala has requested an extension for the implementation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state. The SIR has faced widespread criticism, with opponents alleging that it is being used by the central government to exclude minority communities from the voters’ list under the pretext of nationality verification.

Chief Election Officer Rathan U Khelkar has recommended extending the SIR process until December 21, when local body elections are scheduled to conclude. The CPI M, along with other political parties, supported this proposal during the recent all- party meeting.

At the same time, the central government has instructed Chief Election Commissioners in various states to prepare for a nationwide rollout of the SIR with a 10-day notice period. By ignoring the requests of opposition parties, the Centre is reportedly moving ahead with implementing the SIR in October and November.

A special meeting convened in the first week of this month to assess the SIR preparation had recommended completing the process by September 30. With assembly elections scheduled next year in Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry, the commission’s unilateral approach has sparked sharp criticism.

During the all- party meeting, the CPI M had emphasised that Kerala should reconsider the plan to implement an intensive voter list revision following the Bihar model, citing concerns over fairness and potential misuse.