SIR in Kerala: Kanthapuram warns of public anxiety, calls for steps to safeguard voter rights

Kozhikode: Grand Mufti of India, Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar, has urged the authorities to dispel public fear surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, stating that the process has generated anxiety, particularly among minority and economically weaker communities.

He referred to the example of Bihar, where “lakhs of people were excluded from the voter list after the completion of SIR, and the Supreme Court had to intervene.” He said that most removed names reportedly belonged to disadvantaged communities.

“There is concern in Kerala that deserving individuals might be left out of the list. There is also a prevailing fear that what is truly happening under the guise of SIR is citizenship verification,” he added.

While noting that verifying voter rolls is essential, he stressed that the procedure must be transparent, just and inclusive. He also pointed out that certain documentation requirements have created difficulties for people from marginalised sections and Malayalis working abroad. “This complexity also brings with it the fear that not just voting rights, but even citizenship itself might be jeopardised,” he added.

Kanthapuram urged swift government intervention, especially since Kerala’s request to postpone SIR due to the upcoming local body elections was rejected. He said the state must act immediately to ensure no eligible voter is excluded and to assist individuals in preparing necessary documents.

“There should be no situation where voting rights are lost due to ignorance or negligence,” he stated, calling on political parties, administrators, civil society, and the media to help educate and support the public. He emphasised that the democratic process must remain accessible and secure for all citizens.