Amit Shah Defends SIR Process, Accuses Opposition of Double Standards on Electoral Rolls in Lok Sabha

By A Staff Reporter

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday strongly defended the Standardisation and Intensive Revision (SIR) process of electoral rolls, arguing that it is fundamental to preserving the integrity of India’s democratic system. Speaking during the Winter Session of Parliament, Shah said that until 2004 no political party had ever objected to the SIR mechanism, which he described as essential for maintaining “clean elections and safeguarding democracy.” If the voter list itself is tampered with, he said, “how can elections be free and fair?”

Responding to remarks by the Leader of the Opposition, who flagged alleged irregularities in electoral rolls, Shah asserted that SIR is a necessary exercise to ensure “pure and accurate” voter lists. He accused the opposition of selectively raising concerns only when the electoral outcome does not favour them, pointing out that the BJP had accepted losses without questioning the system. “When BJP lost in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, then the poll rolls were good. But when we win, suddenly everything is bad,” he said.

Shah argued that the opposition’s criticism reflected political inconsistency rather than systemic flaws. “When you win elections, the Election Commission is great; when you lose, the EC becomes incompetent. Such double standards will not work,” he declared.

The debate briefly turned heated when Congress MP Rahul Gandhi interrupted Shah mid-speech. The Home Minister responded firmly, saying, “He cannot decide what I speak; he has to learn to be patient,” drawing reactions across the House.