Giriraj Singh Defends SIR, Says Only Indian Citizens Will Vote; Targets Rahul Gandhi

By A Staff Reporter

Patna, Bihar: Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Tuesday responded to criticism over the ongoing Special Intensive Review (SIR) process being conducted in Bihar, asserting that its primary objective is to uphold the integrity of the electoral roll by ensuring that only Indian citizens are eligible to vote.

Speaking to reporters in Patna, Singh took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying, “Rahul Gandhi should read the Constitution. They won’t be able to file an FIR against SIR because the sole resolve of the Special Intensive Review is that only those who are citizens of India will vote, and those who are not citizens of India will not vote.”

Singh questioned the opposition’s stance on the issue, asking, “Why are they troubled by this?” He further emphasized that the Election Commission of India (ECI) would never remove the names of legitimate Indian citizens from the voters’ list, suggesting that concerns about disenfranchisement were misplaced.

The remarks come amid growing political debate in Bihar over the SIR process, with opposition parties alleging that it could lead to voter suppression, particularly in marginalized communities. The Election Commission has maintained that the review is a routine part of electoral roll maintenance.

Singh also expressed confidence in the ruling coalition, stating, “This time, the NDA government will be formed in Bihar,” signaling the party’s preparedness ahead of the upcoming state elections.