Nationwide ‘People’s March’ Against SIR Announced for October 23
People Against SIR alliance demands cancellation of the revision exercise, a public audit of electoral rolls and protection of eligible voters’ rights.
New Delhi: A coalition of organisations under the banner of People Against SIR has announced a nationwide protest march on October 23 against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, demanding greater transparency in the process and protection of citizens’ voting rights.
The alliance has called for the impeachment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, cancellation of the SIR exercise, a public audit of electoral rolls and the withdrawal of the Election Commissioners Act, 2023.
In a statement, the coalition alleged that more than 13 crore citizens had been deprived of their voting rights through the revision process. These figures and allegations have not been independently verified in the supplied report.
Coalition of Farmers, Workers, Students and Minority Organisations
According to the alliance, a meeting was held at Surjeet Bhawan in New Delhi on October 14, bringing together organisations representing farmers, workers, students, youth, women, Adivasis, Dalits and minorities. The meeting raised concerns about the revision process and the possible removal of eligible voters from electoral rolls.
The coalition also accused the Chief Election Commissioner of introducing changes to electoral documents and procedures, including Form 6, without parliamentary approval. It called for a legal examination of these allegations and appropriate action if any violation of constitutional obligations is established.
Demands Complete Cancellation of SIR
People Against SIR said it would not accept limited changes or partial reforms and insisted on the complete cancellation of the exercise. Its demands include a public audit of electoral rolls and safeguards to ensure that every eligible citizen can exercise the right to vote.
The alliance expressed concern that the process could disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities, including Dalits, Adivasis and minorities. It argued that transparency and the impartial functioning of the Election Commission were essential to maintaining public confidence in elections.
Marches Planned Across the Country
The October 23 programme is expected to include marches and demonstrations in the national capital, state capitals, district centres and tehsil headquarters. Participants plan to carry the national flag and present their demands peacefully.
Organisers said that if authorities attempt to prevent the demonstrations, protesters may hold peaceful public assemblies on the streets under the banner of a “People’s Parliament” to discuss electoral reforms, voting rights and the protection of democratic institutions.
Objection to Jantar Mantar Restrictions
The coalition also criticised the removal of Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest venues in Delhi and called for the decision to be reversed. It said access to suitable spaces for peaceful demonstrations was an important part of democratic participation.
Opposition Groups and Civil Rights Organisations May Participate
The statement said organisations associated with the INDIA bloc, along with several civil rights groups and public platforms, were expected to participate in the march.
The October 23 demonstrations are likely to bring renewed attention to the SIR process, electoral representation and the Election Commission’s role. The coalition’s allegations regarding voter exclusion and procedural changes remain claims that require independent verification and examination of official records.