The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Kerala’s electoral rolls has sparked fury from Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, who on Wednesday demanded the outright cancellation of notices compelling nearly 18 lakh voters to attend verification hearings. From the Assembly press room in Thiruvananthapuram, he detailed the havoc wrought on citizens by this flawed campaign.
Citing ‘logical inconsistency’ flags on slight name or initial variances—predominantly from EC software errors—Satheesan argued vehemently, ‘Voters aren’t to blame for technological shortcomings.’ He pushed for BLO-led home visits over incessant call-ups via the app, calling for total notice recalls despite the Commission’s tepid responses.
Deep concerns were voiced over Form 7’s exploitation to excise names sans proper checks, with Satheesan seeking tough measures against perpetrators and complicit BLOs. He highlighted rampant unauthorized deletions in north Kerala, often aimed at opposition voters, and stressed that no removal should occur without voter awareness.
Viewing SIR as citizenship probing in disguise, Satheesan implored restraint amid political tensions. He also addressed expatriate plights, decrying the EC website’s failure to accommodate birthplaces for overseas-born in Form 6A, urging prompt corrections and deadline pushes to aid millions impacted.
District Collectors have received complaints from all quarters, and Satheesan plans to champion negotiations between the EC and party reps for rapid resolutions, ensuring the voter list remains credible and inclusive.