BJP president JP Nadda on Tuesday strongly defended the Election Commission of India’s authority to carry out the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls during a debate on electoral reforms in the Rajya Sabha. Addressing opposition criticism, Nadda said the ECI has a clear constitutional mandate to undertake voter list revisions and that the process is neither new nor politically motivated.
Nadda explained that Special Intensive Revision has been a long-standing electoral practice in India, dating back to the first general elections held in 1952. He said the primary objective of the exercise is to ensure the purity and accuracy of electoral rolls by removing duplicate, ineligible, or deceased voters while including eligible citizens who may have been left out. According to him, such revisions are essential for maintaining the credibility of the democratic process.
Responding to opposition allegations that the exercise could target specific communities, Nadda rejected the claims as baseless. He stressed that the revision process is conducted uniformly across regions and communities, following established rules and procedures laid down by the Election Commission. He added that the ECI functions as an independent constitutional body and operates without political interference.
During the debate, opposition parties also reiterated their demand for a return to ballot paper-based voting, citing concerns over electronic voting machines. Nadda dismissed this demand, stating that electronic voting has strengthened India’s electoral system by improving efficiency, transparency, and voter participation. He argued that repeated calls to revert to ballot papers ignore the technological advancements and safeguards that have been introduced over the years.
The BJP president further noted that electoral reforms should focus on enhancing voter confidence and participation rather than raising unfounded doubts about institutions. He accused the opposition of politicising routine electoral procedures and attempting to create mistrust around the Election Commission’s functioning.
Nadda also highlighted that voter list revisions are conducted with public participation, allowing citizens to raise objections, submit corrections, and verify their details. He said this inclusive approach ensures fairness and prevents arbitrary exclusions.
Political observers note that the debate reflects broader disagreements between the ruling party and the opposition over electoral processes and institutional trust. While the government maintains that existing systems are robust and transparent, opposition parties continue to question aspects of electoral administration.
As discussions on electoral reforms continue in Parliament, the government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. The Election Commission, meanwhile, has maintained that all its actions are guided strictly by constitutional provisions and established electoral laws.
