India news: Key opposition leaders meet to discuss poll body row

In New Delhi on Wednesday, opposition leaders belonging to the INDIA bloc, led by the Congress party, convened at the Constitution Club. Their agenda: to deliberate the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted by India's Election Commission of India (ECI), and the controversy surrounding Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge vociferously advocated for the reversal of the SIR, an audit scrutinizing over 133 million voters. He deemed the voter roll "the heart of Indian democracy," emphasizing that the "one person, one vote" principle was under severe threat. He argued that the ECI's action removed voters' power to participate in democracy, suggesting that voters should decide who holds power, not the current incumbents.

The SIR, which the ECI claims safeguards against dead, relocated, and duplicate voters, and prevents foreign illegal immigrants from voting, has sparked controversy. Critics accuse it of disproportionately targeting eligible voters to favor Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kharge also demanded Kumar's removal, alleging his integrity and intentions were under question.

Earlier reports from the Indian Express revealed internal disputes within the ECI regarding SIR decisions, with commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi lodging formal objections over 10 months. However, these concerns were reportedly disregarded. The ECI maintains the legality of its actions, citing routine differences in decision-making. Kharge's call for Kumar's resignation or removal echoed nationwide protests and calls for action from opposition parties and pressure groups.