Siddesh Naik Accuses Congress of Opposing SIR to Protect Deleted Names, Says Clean Electoral Rolls Essential for Democracy

Panaji, November 3, 2026: BJP Goa State Media Convenor Siddesh Shripad Naik has criticised the Congress party’s agitation against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the party is attempting to create political confusion and mislead the public rather than safeguard democracy.

Speaking to the media, Naik said Congress’s opposition to the SIR exercise raises questions about its commitment to free and fair elections. He maintained that the revision of electoral rolls is necessary to ensure transparency, eliminate duplicate entries and remove the names of deceased persons and individuals who have permanently migrated or are registered elsewhere.

Questioning Congress’s claims of mobilising 10 lakh people for its agitation at Ramlila Maidan, Naik pointed out that the venue has an estimated capacity of around 50,000 people. He also claimed that only around 60 people from Goa participated in the protest, alleging that there was a considerable difference between the party’s claims and the actual participation.

Naik challenged Congress to explain why it was opposing the removal of ineligible entries from electoral rolls. He questioned whether the party wanted the names of deceased persons, duplicate voters and people who had permanently shifted elsewhere to remain on the electoral list.

Referring to the SIR exercise in Goa, Naik stated that 25,574 deceased persons, 40,469 permanent migrants and 1,997 individuals registered elsewhere were identified among the deleted entries. He also highlighted that 12,166 new voters had been added to the electoral rolls, providing an opportunity for eligible young citizens to participate in the democratic process.

According to Naik, these figures demonstrate that the SIR exercise is aimed at strengthening the electoral system rather than targeting genuine voters. He asserted that the process would ensure that every eligible citizen retains the right to vote while preventing duplicate entries and other irregularities.

Reacting to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations regarding the deletion of 13.3 crore names from electoral rolls across the country, including approximately 2.8 crore deceased voters, as cited by him, Naik said the Election Commission had sought a sworn affidavit or an apology from Gandhi over his claims. He argued that serious allegations against the electoral system must be supported by evidence and that political parties must be held accountable for their statements.

Naik further said that electoral rolls do not belong to any political party but to the people of the country and must accurately reflect the names of genuine and eligible voters. He accused Congress of opposing transparency in the electoral process while projecting its agitation as a movement to protect democracy.

Reiterating his stand, Naik said democracy could only be strengthened through clean, transparent and credible electoral rolls. He stressed that deceased persons should not remain on voter lists, duplicate entries must be eliminated and every eligible citizen should have an equal opportunity to exercise their democratic right.

“Congress may organise rallies and create political controversies, but it cannot turn an essential electoral reform into a political weapon,” Naik said.

Emphasising the principle of ‘One Citizen, One Vote’, Naik maintained that the Special Intensive Revision is an important exercise to protect electoral integrity and ensure that the voice of every genuine voter is represented in India’s democratic process.

Siddesh Shripad Naik
State Media Convenor, BJP Goa