Thu Sep 18 19:52:18 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

A heated argument erupted between BJP and Congress representatives during a preliminary consultation called by the Ernakulam District Collector regarding the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) planned Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Congress leaders expressed concerns that the SIR, using 2002 voter rolls as a reference, would disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly those working abroad. The BJP welcomed the move, accusing the Congress of hypocrisy and advocating for “cleansing” the voter rolls. The Collector urged political parties to appoint booth agents to rectify errors and remove ineligible names. Representatives from CPI, Kerala Congress, and PDP were present, while CPI(M) abstained.

**News Article:**

**Political Clash Erupts in Ernakulam Over Electoral Roll Revision**

**KOCHI, September 19, 2025** – A contentious debate broke out at the Ernakulam district collectorate yesterday as representatives from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress party clashed over the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) proposed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The meeting, convened by District Collector G. Priyanka, aimed to consult stakeholders on the initiative ahead of next year’s Assembly elections.

Congress leaders voiced strong opposition to the SIR, specifically the use of the 2002 voter list as a reference point. “We will not allow the Election Commission to implement its Bihar model in the State,” declared Abdul Latheef, District Congress Committee general secretary. Viju Choolakkal, Congress district block president, argued that the SIR would disproportionately affect eligible voters, especially those residing abroad who may struggle to provide the necessary documentation to retain their registration.

The BJP vehemently disagreed. Ajayakumar M.C., BJP district vice president, accused the Congress of employing “double standards” on the issue of electoral rolls and supported the SIR as a means to “cleanse” the voter list. He stated that eligible voters could easily upload required documents online, regardless of their location.

Representatives from other political parties, including the CPI, Kerala Congress, and the PDP, attended the meeting. The CPI(M) was notably absent.

District Collector G. Priyanka emphasized the importance of accurate voter rolls and urged all political parties to appoint booth-level agents to assist in identifying errors and removing the names of deceased or otherwise ineligible voters. She also briefed attendees on election guidelines and the code of conduct.

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