Bihar’s SIR is another way to bring NRC back: Kapil Sibal
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has been a topic of controversy lately, with many questioning the motives behind this exercise. Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal has now joined the chorus of critics, alleging that the SIR is a ploy to reintroduce the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the country.
Speaking to the media, Sibal stated that the SIR is being touted as a pilot project, but he believes it is actually another way to bring back the NRC. He further alleged that there is a partnership between the Election Commission and the ruling BJP behind this exercise.
The SIR is a comprehensive exercise aimed at updating the electoral rolls in Bihar, with the Election Commission (EC) stating that its objective is to ensure that the electoral rolls are error-free and up-to-date. The exercise involves the verification of voter details, including the verification of documents and biometric data.
However, Sibal is not convinced by the EC’s claims, and believes that the SIR is a thinly veiled attempt to implement the NRC in the country. The NRC is a register of Indian citizens, and its implementation was a contentious issue during the BJP-led NDA government’s tenure. The NRC was first introduced in Assam, where it led to the exclusion of over 19 lakh people from the list, sparking widespread protests and concerns about the rights of minority communities.
Sibal’s allegations have sparked concerns among civil society groups and opposition parties, who have long been wary of the NRC’s potential to be used as a tool for targeting minority communities. The NRC has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, and its implementation has been marred by allegations of bias and errors.
The SIR exercise has already raised concerns among many voters in Bihar, with some expressing fear that their names may be deleted from the electoral rolls if they are unable to provide the required documents. Many have also raised concerns about the potential use of the SIR data for purposes other than updating the electoral rolls.
The EC has, however, denied any link between the SIR and the NRC, stating that the exercise is solely aimed at ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the electoral rolls. The EC has also clarified that the SIR is a routine exercise that is conducted every few years, and that it is not a new initiative.
However, Sibal’s allegations have raised questions about the EC’s independence and impartiality. Critics have pointed out that the EC has long been accused of being biased towards the ruling party, and that its decisions often reflect the government’s views.
The SIR exercise is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, and the EC has stated that the results will be made public after the exercise is complete. However, the controversy surrounding the SIR has already raised concerns about the potential use of the data for political purposes, and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
In conclusion, the SIR exercise in Bihar has sparked a heated debate about its motives and potential implications. While the EC has denied any link between the SIR and the NRC, Sibal’s allegations have raised concerns about the potential use of the data for political purposes. The need for greater transparency and accountability is clear, and it is essential that the EC provides clear assurance about the use of the SIR data.
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