MP Damodar Agrawal Defends Voter List Revisions Amid Opposition Criticism

Bhilwara, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : Lok Sabha MP Damodar Agrawal has responded to opposition allegations regarding the ongoing voter list revisions, known as the Special Identification Review (SIR). Speaking in Bhilwara, he emphasized that voter lists are never final and are part of a continuous process. He dismissed claims that 130 million names would be removed, clarifying that over 15 million deceased voters and more than 30 million duplicate entries exist.

Agrawal stated, “No voter list is final. Forms 6, 7, and 8 are all available online. If someone lacks proof of residency in India and their citizenship is questionable, should they be allowed to vote? If they have already registered, what should happen? We argue that foreign voters should not be included. This is a national issue. Ineligible voters must be removed.”

He insisted on the importance of maintaining a clean voter list. “Now people are saying the voter list is flawed, the EVMs are flawed, and the Election Commission is flawed. They are even suggesting we revert to ballot voting. On counting day, they will claim the EVMs are malfunctioning; by evening, they will raise similar concerns about ballots. Currently, a revision program is underway in 249 districts across India. The SIR is not a new initiative; it has previously occurred under Congress rule,” Agrawal noted.

The MP accused the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, particularly Rahul Gandhi, of spreading confusion about the SIR. He stated that it has been a continuous process since 1952. “The narrative that 130 million names will be cut is misleading. Over 15 million voters are deceased, and more than 30 million have duplicate entries. Some individuals have their names registered in multiple locations. Combining these figures results in around 60 million. Many others have migrated or failed to provide proper documentation. Certainly, those who entered India illegally and infringed on the rights of citizens should be removed from the voter list. The SIR is not a final list; it is a regular procedure.”

Agrawal concluded by highlighting the advancements in technology, stating, “Today, we travel at 120 kilometers per hour on four-lane and eight-lane roads, yet some advocate for a bullock cart journey. Are they against technology? Isn’t technology more transparent? The introduction of VVPAT in EVMs enhances the process. The public will not be misled by unnecessary discussions about the SIR.”