Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Clarifies Electoral Roll Revision Controversy

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh has clarified that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission, distancing the Centre from the process. Singh, who also serves as Union Minister of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, criticized opposition parties for politicizing the issue to their advantage.

During discussions with fisheries officials from West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar, Singh rejected claims from the West Bengal government regarding the harassment of Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-ruled states. He emphasized that the SIR aims to verify genuine citizens and remove deceased or relocated individuals from voter lists, addressing concerns about electoral integrity.

Singh further condemned unnecessary criticism from opposition parties regarding the SIR initiative. He spotlighted the system's ability to verify historical voter details prior to 2003 and reiterated the importance of such measures for maintaining democratic norms and ensuring national security against potential illegal inhabitants.

(With inputs from agencies.)