Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov 03: Mr. T.S.G. Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee, Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), has expressed serious concern over the hurried manner in which the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is being implemented in the islands.
Addressing media persons this evening, Mr. Bhasker said that the SIR exercise, similar to the one conducted earlier in Bihar, has now been announced in twelve states — mostly opposition-ruled states — including the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He questioned the timing and manner of its execution, pointing out that the announcement, training, and implementation were all initiated within a short span of a week. “Public awareness about SIR should have been created first, but that was never done,” he stated.
Highlighting the logistical difficulties in reaching remote island regions, Mr. Bhasker said that the one-month period fixed from November 4 to December 4 was grossly inadequate. “People in far-flung areas like Burma Chart, Kutai Basti etc face serious connectivity and electricity issues. How will Booth Level Officers (BLOs) manage to collect photographs and verify details in such areas?” he questioned. He added that BLOs are struggling to cover even one village a day due to travel constraints.
Mr. Bhasker further noted that the purpose of electoral roll revision should be inclusive, not exclusive, ensuring that all eligible Indian citizens are enrolled rather than deleted from the list. “If even 15,000 names are wrongly deleted out of 3 lakh, no opposition party can win. This raises serious suspicion about the intention behind the exercise,” he alleged.
He also suggested that authorities should provide adequate facilities to make the process easier for both BLOs and the public — such as portable or Polaroid cameras for instant photos — especially in areas without electricity or printing facilities. Mr. Bhasker cited cases of young voters, including students who recently turned 18, whose names might not get included due to time and procedural limitations.
Emphasizing that voting is a constitutional right, Mr. Bhasker urged the Election Commission and local administration to extend the timeline for the SIR process. “Please do not rush this exercise. Take more time to enroll everyone properly, and sensitize the public about why SIR is being done and how it benefits them,” he appealed.
Concluding his statement, he added, “This hurried revision looks less like inclusion and more like exclusion. We request the administration to convey the islanders’ practical difficulties to New Delhi and seek a suitable extension.”
