SIR's decision was unanimous, letter to Cabinet Secretary not related to any policy: Election Commission

Amid the ongoing political controversy over its decisions and internal workings, the Election Commission has again clarified that the purpose of the special comprehensive revision (SIR) process of the voter lists of the states is to correct the voter list and the letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary was not related to any policy related to the commission. A press release issued after the plenary meeting of the commission held here on Saturday said that "the letter addressed to the cabinet secretary was not related to any policy issue related to the commission or its information technology sector, but was related to the functioning of an officer on deputation to the commission." "The redistribution orders issued by the officer concerned were not actually implemented after the directions of the two Election Commissioners," the Commission said. Also, the Commission clarified that the supervision of the Information Technology department was never withdrawn from the Deputy Election Commissioner. Today's meeting was attended by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners SS Sindhu and Vivek Joshi. Notably, an English daily had claimed in a report that regarding SIR There are differences in the Election Commission. On this, many opposition parties, including the Congress, have made aggressive statements against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and are demanding his resignation. The commission has already made it clear that all its decisions are taken by consensus. On other questions raised on the SIR process, the commission said, "The order issued on June 24, 2025 to conduct SIR in all states and union territories was unanimously approved by the commission. The SIR started from Bihar and was later extended to West Bengal and 30 other states and union territories," the commission said. That in its order dated May 27, 2026, the Supreme Court upheld the Commission's decision to conduct SIR in accordance with law. The Commission said that the SIR program for 12 States and Union Territories on October 27, 2025 and the SIR program for the other 19 States and Union Territories on May 14, 2026 also received the unanimous approval of the Commission. The Commission said, "The final number of voters is then It will be known, when the final publication of the lists in the remaining 12 states of Phase-III is done."
Regarding the action taken in Goa's SIR regarding missing names of some voters, the commission said that the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Goa had directed the concerned Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to go door-to-door and collect the forms of such voters. Out of 97 such voters, 81 have also filled Form 6 for inclusion in the list.
"Its latest steps are important, as the commission continues the SIR process in a step-by-step manner. The process includes verification and updating of voter lists and there has been political debate over documents, voter enrollment and procedures adopted by election officials," the commission said.
The Commission has said that it has repeatedly stated that the purpose of the SIR process is to ensure a valid voter list. The Commission has also emphasized that eligible citizens whose name is not in the voter list can apply for inclusion of their name through the prescribed procedure.
The ECI's latest press release issued on Saturday with the approval of the full commission lays emphasis on door-to-door assistance, online hearings, special camps for vulnerable voters and additional time for filing claims and objections. Along with this, the commission has also announced a review of its digital system and strengthening of internal management procedures. The commission has said that facilities for voter registration and editing of election details are also available on its official voter service platform. Eligible citizens can apply online through these services. The Commission in today's meeting has also decided to extend the time for filing claims and objections under SIR in these two states after considering the request of Chief Electoral Officers of Delhi and Maharashtra.