Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has publicly welcomed the Election Commission of India's (ECI) recent clarification regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Naidu stated that the ECI's explanation reaffirms the credibility and institutional integrity of the poll panel amidst ongoing controversy.
EC Clarifies Unanimous Decisions on SIR
The Election Commission, through Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, maintained that all decisions related to the SIR exercise were taken unanimously by its three members. This clarification addresses concerns and "misconceptions" about the poll body's functioning.
According to the ECI, the nationwide SIR order, initially issued on June 24, 2025, also received unanimous approval from the commission. This order was subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court, further solidifying the ECI's stance on the matter.
Enhanced Transparency Measures Introduced
In response to the controversy and to foster greater trust, the Election Commission announced new transparency measures. Moving forward, agendas for ECI meetings will be circulated to members in advance, and official minutes will be issued following these meetings. This initiative aims to address reports of internal differences among the commission members concerning electoral rolls and the SIR process.
Naidu Stresses Institutional Integrity
Chief Minister Naidu underscored that decisions concerning the SIR were made collectively and in strict adherence to established institutional procedures. He cautioned against any attempts to undermine public and global confidence in India’s robust electoral and democratic framework.
“Respect for our constitutional institutions is paramount,” Naidu asserted. He emphasized that maintaining public confidence in the electoral process is a shared responsibility across all political parties, urging democratic leaders to accept both victories and defeats with humility, as electoral outcomes represent the mandate of the voters.