Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah has called for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls every five years, saying regular verification is necessary to ensure that no foreign national remains on the state’s voter list.
“Everyone wants an SIR in Assam. Not a single foreigner’s name should remain on Assam’s voter list,” Baruah said, referring to the state’s six-year anti-foreigners agitation from 1979 to 1985, which centred on identifying and removing illegal immigrants from electoral rolls.
The minister also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Opposition over their allegations concerning electronic voting machines (EVMs) and demands to return to ballot paper voting.
“Congress never stands with the public, which is why they keep losing. And after losing, they blame EVMs, sometimes ballot papers, or make other excuses,” he said.
Commenting on the Jan Jagaran Samdal rally in Nalbari, Baruah claimed that young people and women were increasingly supporting the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Assam. Organisers said the rally drew more than 30,000 people, although the figure has not been independently verified.
Baruah also criticised groups opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, alleging that their position was contrary to the country’s interests.
His demand for a five-year cycle of intensive electoral roll revision adds to the ongoing debate over voter eligibility, citizenship and illegal immigration in Assam. Any decision on the frequency and implementation of an SIR rests with the competent electoral authorities under the applicable legal and administrative framework.
