‘10 Crore Could Lose Right To Vote’: Chidambaram Flags Disenfranchisement Risk After Former Envoy’s SIR Ordeal

Nearly 10 crore eligible voters could lose their franchise due to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted by the Election Commission of India. Former Union minister P Chidambaram warned on Monday that the process risks disenfranchising 10% of the country's adult population.

The criticism followed a public post by former diplomat Navdeep Suri. He detailed severe verification hurdles while attempting to prove his citizenship in Punjab.

"Based on the outcomes so far, at the end of the S.I.R. process, 10% of India’s adult population will be ‘citizens’ but without the right to vote, thanks to the ECI. That is nearly 10 crore people. The ECI has created a new category of ‘non-voting citizens’." Chidambaram wrote on X, referring to Suri's post.

Suri Details Verification Hurdles

Suri previously served as India's Ambassador to Egypt and the UAE, and he also served as High Commissioner to Australia.

During the current exercise, Suri provided his Voter ID and Aadhaar to a booth level officer. A booth level officer subsequently flagged his application because his details did not match the 2003 SIR rolls. Suri posted on X: “Sharing my experience with #SIR in Punjab. Went to BLO, submitted Voter ID and Aadhaar card, was assured that everything is in order. Got a message today from a volunteer saying some details don't match with SIR in 2003!!”

The former envoy served in London during 2003 and did not participate in that year's revision. Election officials then instructed him to present his passport as proof of citizenship.

“Spoke with BLO, was told that I should come and collect the notice. And then come again with unspecified documents that show I am an Indian citizen... I happen to have documents other than voter ID and Aadhaar card. But can’t help asking: If I have trouble establishing my citizenship after representing India in three countries, what’s the fate of the common citizen? Ease of Living, I presume!” Suri said on X.

Punjab CEO Issues Clarification

The Punjab Chief Electoral Officer reassured residents regarding the verification demands. Receiving a compliance notice is no reason for alarm, the top official stated on X earlier.

"As part of the ongoing SIR process, notices are being delivered to voters where required. Received a notice? Don't worry! Simply check the details, submit the required documents, and complete the process." the Punjab CEO stated.

Authorities published Punjab's draft electoral roll on August 13. The state is currently undergoing the second phase of the SIR, which involves reviewing the draft rolls and filing claims and objections.