Kerala assembly passes unanimous resolution against SIR in state

In a rare show of unity, Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) on Monday joined hands to unanimously pass a resolution in the Assembly opposing the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) move to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the State.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan moved the resolution, which was adopted after incorporating suggestions from the Opposition benches. While two amendments proposed by MLA N. Shamsudheen were accepted, the Speaker rejected the others.

The resolution expressed deep concern that the SIR exercise could become a “backdoor attempt” to implement the National Population Register (NPR). Citing Bihar’s experience, where arbitrary deletions were reported, it warned that such measures reflected a “politics of exclusion” that could spread nationwide.

“The SIR, which requires long-term preparation and wide consultation, is being rushed through in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, all states heading for elections. Such haste casts a shadow of doubt over the Election Commission’s intentions,” the resolution stated.

Kerala is scheduled to hold local body elections soon, followed by Assembly polls. Against this backdrop, Chief Minister Vijayan described the SIR exercise as “malicious.” The resolution also termed the reliance on the 2002 intensive revision “unscientific.”

Strong objections were raised over the norms governing voter registration under SIR. The resolution highlighted that individuals born after 1987 are being asked to submit either parent’s citizenship proof, while those born after 2003 must provide documents for both parents. Such stipulations, it said, amounted to a violation of the universal adult franchise enshrined under Article 326 of the Constitution.

Experts have warned that these requirements would disproportionately impact marginalised groups, including minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and economically weaker sections. The Assembly also stressed the importance of protecting voting rights of expatriates. The resolution alleged that the SIR could be misused to advance the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), which it said “communalises citizenship” and poses a grave threat to India’s democratic fabric.

Concluding, the House demanded that the Election Commission withdraw the proposed SIR and instead ensure a transparent, inclusive, and fair revision of electoral rolls that safeguards the constitutional right to vote.