ldf-urges-ec-to-reconsider-sir-in-kerala

The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala has formally requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to reconsider its decision to enact the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in the state, labelling the current criteria as "impractical" for Kerala.

 

Following a meeting of the Left Democratic Front partners in the city, front convenor TP Ramakrishnan announced that the alliance had agreed to back the decision reached at an all-party meeting, which the state government has called for November 5 to debate the issue.

 

Ramakrishnan stated the LDF would maintain its strong opposition and protest against the proposal. “The revision should not be implemented in the state at a time when local body elections are approaching. The Election Commission must understand how the SIR affects people. The Commission should conduct a review in this matter,” he insisted.

 

Accusing the ECI of “unwanted hastiness” in implementing the revision, Ramakrishnan noted that a related legal challenge is still pending before the Supreme Court, yet the Commission appears unwilling to await the verdict. “All political parties in Kerala have already demanded that the implementation of the SIR be stopped, as local body elections are around the corner,” he remarked, though the dates for the local body polls have yet to be announced.

 

Alleging partiality, Ramakrishnan claimed the ECI was operating as a “tool of the ruling BJP at the Centre.” He highlighted that the implementation of the SIR had been suspended in Maharashtra and Assam, questioning why Kerala was being denied the same consideration.

 

These comments follow similar remarks made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan just days earlier, when he urged all "who value democracy" to unite and oppose the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision of the voters’ list, describing it as a “grave threat” to the country’s democratic foundation.

 

The Election Commission recently made public its plan for the SIR to take place between November and February across twelve states and Union Territories — including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and West Bengal — all of which are scheduled to hold Assembly elections in 2026.

 

Also read: Kerala govt sanctions ₹377.8 cr to repair Sabarimala routes