Overview
- The BJP wrapped up its 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' marches on Thursday, Nov 5, using large rallies to defend the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and to challenge opposition leaders to debates about the exercise.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah provided a numerical breakdown of deletions, saying many names were removed for death, migration or duplicate registration and alleging about three crore were 'infiltrators', a claim the opposition rejects and which has not been independently corroborated.
- The opposition INDIA bloc has held mass protests, including a Nov 1 Ramlila Maidan rally, demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and filed legal challenges alleging widespread wrongful deletions of eligible voters.
- A state-level flashpoint has emerged in Rajasthan where former CM Ashok Gehlot demanded documentary evidence or an apology from CM Bhajan Lal Sharma within 24 hours over allegations linked to the SIR dispute, showing how national tensions are spilling into local politics.
- The row centers on process and authority: BJP leaders say SIR is a routine revision under Article 324 and Section 21 to remove dead, moved and duplicate names, while the opposition warns of disenfranchisement; expect continued court petitions, Election Commission scrutiny and political mobilisation before 2027–2029 polls.