JIH Demands Scrapping of SIR, Action Over Alleged Voter Deletions

Bengaluru (Fikrokhabar News): Jamaat e Islami Hind (JIH) has demanded the scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and legal action against those found responsible for alleged large scale voter deletions. The organisation also raised concerns over the demolition of religious places and restrictions on peaceful demonstrations.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on Wednesday, JIH National Vice President Prof. Salim Engineer alleged that nearly 13 crore names had been removed from electoral rolls across the country during the SIR exercise. He questioned the process, its implementation and its potential impact on eligible voters, particularly those from disadvantaged communities.

Prof. Salim said JIH had opposed the exercise since its introduction in Bihar. He argued that the Election Commission should focus on ensuring that every eligible citizen is included in the electoral rolls rather than placing repeated burdens on voters to establish their eligibility.

Referring to West Bengal, he claimed that a large number of names had been deleted and that many appeals decided by tribunals had resulted in the restoration of voters’ names. He called for an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities and demanded accountability from officials and others found responsible.

He also criticised the changes to the process for appointing Election Commissioners, particularly the replacement of the Chief Justice of India with a Cabinet Minister on the selection panel. He called for an independent appointment mechanism.

Concerns Over Form 7 in Karnataka

Speaking in Kannada, Labeed Shafee, Secretary of the Media Department of JIH Karnataka, raised concerns over the alleged misuse of Form 7, which is used to object to the inclusion of names in electoral rolls.

Citing media reports, he alleged that bulk objections had been submitted using suspicious particulars, forged signatures and duplicate addresses, particularly in Muslim populated areas. He said voters from Dalit and other communities had also reportedly been affected.

JIH Karnataka demanded an investigation into the alleged involvement of Booth Level Agents and the handling of suspicious applications by election officials. The organisation also called for the preservation of electoral records, scrutiny of disputed objections and legal action against those found responsible.

The organisation clarified that actual voter deletions resulting from the disputed applications had not been established, but said the reported irregularities warranted urgent investigation and preventive measures.

Demolition of Religious Places

Prof. Salim also expressed concern over the demolition of mosques and other religious structures. He alleged that some demolitions were being carried out under the stated reasons of road widening, removal of unauthorised structures and beautification projects without adequate adherence to legal procedures.

Referring to the demolition of a century old mosque in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, he said documents supporting its historical existence were available. He called for an independent investigation into disputed demolitions, preferably under the supervision of the Supreme Court.

JIH demanded legal action and financial penalties against officials found responsible for unlawful demolitions, along with restoration measures wherever illegality is established.

Concerns Over Restrictions on Peaceful Protests

The JIH vice president also criticised restrictions on demonstrations and the police action against protesters in Delhi who were opposing SIR and demanding the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner.

He alleged that students, women, social activists, political leaders and journalists had faced detention, intimidation and mistreatment during protests.

Prof. Salim argued that peaceful demonstrations are an important means for citizens to express disagreement with government decisions. He said prior communication with authorities should help facilitate public safety and traffic management rather than become a reason to prevent protests.

He also questioned the decision to stop treating Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue and called for independent investigations into allegations of assault and obstruction during demonstrations.

Calls for Accountability

Responding to questions about police conduct, Prof. Salim said officers responsible for unlawful detention or excessive use of force should face action. He added that police personnel could be held personally accountable for unlawful actions carried out under orders.

He said concerns over voter deletions and restrictions on public dissent needed to be addressed through transparent investigations and respect for constitutional rights.

JIH Says Multiple Communities Affected by SIR

Asked whether Muslims were being specifically targeted through SIR, Prof. Salim acknowledged that people from several communities had reportedly been affected. However, he maintained that Muslims were among the principal groups facing the impact of the exercise.

He also referred to Dalits, Adivasis, rural residents, migrant workers and economically weaker sections, saying many affected voters might not know their names had been removed or how to appeal for their restoration.

The press conference was attended by JIH Karnataka State President Dr. Mohammed Saad Belgami, Akbar Ali Udupi, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan Umri Madani, Mohammed Talha Siddi Bapa and other office bearers.

Concluding his remarks, Prof. Salim called on the government and constitutional authorities to address concerns over electoral revisions, religious places and peaceful demonstrations. He said democratic processes must protect citizens’ ability to vote, question public authorities and express dissent without fear.