Tue Oct 28 08:40:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has condemned the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) decision to conduct a special intensive revision (SIR) of the voter list in Kerala and other states. Vijayan argues that the ECI’s plan to base the revision on outdated voter lists (2002-2004) violates established electoral laws and raises doubts about the Commission’s motives. He also highlights that the State Election Officer had advised against the SIR due to impending local body elections. Vijayan warns that the ECI’s actions could undermine public trust in the democratic process.

News Article:

Kerala CM Slams Election Commission’s Voter List Revision, Cites Democratic Concerns

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – October 28, 2025 – Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched a strong critique of the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) decision to conduct a special intensive revision (SIR) of the voter list in Kerala and other states. In a statement released Tuesday, Vijayan characterized the move as “a serious challenge to the democratic process.”

The Chief Minister expressed concern that the ECI intends to base the voter list revision on outdated rolls from 2002-2004, rather than the current voter list. He argues this approach directly contravenes the Representation of the People Act of 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules of 1960, which mandate that revisions be based on existing voter data.

Vijayan also noted that the State Election Officer had previously informed the ECI that a special intensive revision would be impractical due to upcoming local body elections in Kerala. The Chief Minister questioned the timing and purpose of the SIR, especially considering these warnings.

“This decision raises doubts about the poll panel’s intentions and could undermine public trust in the electoral system,” Vijayan stated.

The ECI announced the SIR, scheduled between November and February, on Monday for 12 States and Union Territories, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and West Bengal, all of which are slated to hold Assembly elections in 2026. The announcement has sparked debate and scrutiny regarding the potential impact on the electoral process.

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