Nagaland state BJP spokespersons at the press conference in Kohima on September 28. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 28
Nagaland state BJP chief spokesperson N. Kakuto Chishi today maintained that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is being undertaken by the Election Commission of India (ECI) under constitutional and statutory provisions.
The exercise was intended to strengthen the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls, he said while addressing a press conference at Nagaland BJP head office, Kohima. Referring to Article 324 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1950, Chishi said the SIR was primarily intended to verify electoral rolls and identify entries that required correction.
He said intensive revision of electoral rolls had been undertaken on several occasions since 1952 and described the present exercise as the 24th such revision. He also referred to the Supreme Court proceedings concerning the SIR and said the exercise had been considered by the apex court. On reports of differences within the ECI concerning the SIR, Chishi said the Commission had stated publicly that decisions taken in relation to the exercise had been unanimous. He urged that information concerning the Commission and the revision process be based on official statements and verified information.
On Nagaland, Chishi said the state was part of the wider SIR exercise and that concerns relating to duplicate entries and other discrepancies could be addressed through the prescribed verification process. He urged citizens, particularly young people and first-time voters, to participate in the process and cooperate with the authorities. Participation in the electoral process is important for citizens and democratic governance, he said.
Adv. Chitho Nyusou said that the fundamental objective of the SIR, as stated by the Election Commission of India (ECI), was to ensure that no eligible citizen was left out of the electoral roll and no ineligible person was included. Nyusou said an electoral roll was not merely an administrative document but the foundation for citizens to exercise their right to participate in elections.
Nyusou appealed to the political parties, civil society organisations and citizens of the state to actively participate and promote awareness, participation and transparency throughout the SIR exercise.
BJP spokesperson Bendangyanger and State spokesperson Langyeliba Yingpithonger were also present at the press conference.
