‘10 cr Indians could lose right to vote’: Chidambaram after ex-envoy’s SIR post

P Chidambaram; ex-diplomat Navdeep Suri

NEW DELHI: Former Union minister P Chidambaram on Monday said the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls could leave 10% of India’s eligible population — or nearly 10 crore people — without the right to vote, after a former diplomat detailed difficulties he faced establishing his citizenship during the exercise in Punjab.Navdeep Suri, who served as India’s Ambassador to Egypt and the UAE and High Commissioner to Australia, questioned what the experience of a common citizen might be if he himself faced difficulties despite having represented the country in three nations.“Based on the outcomes so far, at the end of the S.I.R. process, 10% of India’s adult population will be ‘citizens’ but without the right to vote, thanks to the ECI. That is nearly 10 crore people. The ECI has created a new category of ‘non-voting citizens’,” the senior Congress leader wrote, referring to Suri’s post.Earlier, Suri said his details did not match the 2003 electoral rolls used for verification because he was posted in London at the time and had not participated in that revision.“Sharing my experience with #SIR in Punjab. Went to BLO, submitted Voter ID and Aadhaar card, was assured that everything is in order. Got a message today from a volunteer saying some details don’t match with SIR in 2003!!” Suri posted on X.According to the former diplomat, officials later asked him to produce his passport as proof of citizenship.“Spoke with BLO, was told that I should come and collect the notice. And then come again with unspecified documents that show I am an Indian citizen… I happen to have documents other than voter ID and Aadhaar card.

But can’t help asking: If I have trouble establishing my citizenship after representing India in three countries, what’s the fate of the common citizen? Ease of Living, I presume!” he added.Meanwhile, the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer assured citizens that receiving a notice was not a cause for concern.“As part of the ongoing SIR process, notices are being delivered to voters where required. Received a notice? Don’t worry! Simply check the details, submit the required documents, and complete the process,” the Punjab CEO stated on X earlier.The draft electoral roll for Punjab was published on August 13. The state is currently undergoing the second phase of the SIR, which involves reviewing the draft electoral rolls and filing claims and objections.