Mayor Suman Bahmani Urges Rahul Gandhi, Congress to Present SIR Concerns with Facts
Yamunanagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Suman Bahmani has responded to questions being raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party over the functioning of the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, saying that political parties should place their concerns before the public on the basis of facts and evidence.
Bahmani said the Election Commission’s clarification on SIR-related decisions and other issues should be taken into account while discussing the matter. She said that if the Congress and Rahul Gandhi have concerns regarding the Commission’s functioning, the basis and supporting evidence for those concerns should also be placed before the public.
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The Mayor particularly referred to claims concerning alleged differences within the Election Commission. The Commission has said that its SIR order issued on June 24, 2025, covering all States and Union Territories, was approved unanimously by the full Commission, and that subsequent SIR schedules were also issued with the unanimous approval of the Commission.
Bahmani said the public debate over electoral rolls is important because voter registration and revision are directly connected with the functioning of the democratic process. She said discussions on such issues should be based on complete information rather than isolated reports or interpretations.
SIR Process and Electoral Roll Inclusion
Bahmani also referred to efforts to facilitate the inclusion of eligible voters in electoral rolls. She said Booth Level Officers are involved in reaching households and collecting forms where required, while special efforts are being made to reach voters who may need assistance with enrolment.
The Election Commission’s voter services system provides Form 6 for citizens seeking inclusion of their names in the electoral roll. The system also provides facilities for checking electoral rolls and tracking applications, allowing eligible citizens to use the prescribed process for registration.
According to the Election Commission’s clarification, special efforts have also been undertaken in areas where voters may have remained outside the electoral roll after the revision exercise. The Commission has said eligible persons can apply for inclusion through the prescribed mechanism.
Clarification on Cabinet Secretary Correspondence
Another issue referred to by Bahmani concerns correspondence sent to the Cabinet Secretary by two Election Commissioners. The Election Commission has clarified that the letter was not related to a policy matter concerning the Commission’s SIR exercise or its IT division, but concerned the functioning of an officer on deputation to the poll panel.
Bahmani said the correspondence should therefore be understood in the context explained by the Election Commission rather than being presented as evidence of a disagreement over SIR policy without supporting material.
‘Political Debate Should Remain Fact-Based’
The Mayor said political parties have the democratic right to question decisions of public institutions and seek clarification. At the same time, she said serious allegations against a constitutional institution should be supported by specific facts and evidence so that citizens can assess the issue independently.
She said political differences are a normal part of a democratic system, but discussions over the Election Commission and electoral procedures should remain grounded in documents, verified information and clearly stated positions.
Bahmani said the BJP believes constitutional institutions and the democratic process should be respected. Her comments reflect the BJP’s position in the ongoing political debate, while Congress and Rahul Gandhi have raised their own concerns about the electoral process and the Election Commission.
The wider discussion around SIR therefore continues to involve questions about electoral-roll revision, voter inclusion, the Election Commission’s decision-making process and the interpretation of official correspondence. The Commission’s clarifications address specific issues, while political parties continue to express their respective views on the broader electoral process.
