SP MLA Rais Shaikh calls for joint Opposition panel to monitor SIR in Maharashtra

Minorities’ names could be ‘unlawfully’ removed: Shaikh

“During the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, there is a possibility of serious irregularities. The names of minority communities, marginalised sections, and ordinary citizens could be unlawfully removed from the voters’ list,” Shaikh said.

Citing instances where similar complaints had surfaced, Shaikh stressed that ensuring transparency, legal accuracy, and justice in the SIR process was essential.

“Therefore, a Joint Action Committee of all Opposition parties should be constituted without delay. The committee should oversee the SIR process, collect complaints, initiate necessary legal steps, and provide continuous guidance to party workers and local leadership,” he added.

Shaikh further outlined key measures that should be considered, including establishing a monitoring mechanism to prevent the arbitrary deletion of names from electoral rolls, guiding workers in every constituency, informing citizens about their rights, providing legal assistance where required, and conducting a legal review of the entire process to ensure it is carried out in accordance with rules in a transparent manner.