Former Tripura Chief Minister and former CPI(M) Politburo member Manik Sarkar has urged political parties, the administration and election authorities to remain vigilant during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to ensure that no genuine and eligible voter is excluded from the voters’ list.

Sarkar said that the names of all genuine voters who have previously exercised their franchise and are still alive must not be deleted from the electoral rolls under any circumstances. At the same time, those who have attained the age of 18 must also be included in the voters’ list.

“Our main demand is that the names of genuine voters must not be deleted from the electoral rolls under any circumstances. Similarly, everyone who has completed 18 years of age must be included in the list,” Sarkar said.

Expressing concern over developments surrounding the SIR process in different states, Sarkar claimed that apprehensions have emerged over the possible exclusion of members of minority communities and sections of working people. He also expressed concern over people who have raised their voices in support of their interests and against government policies.

Referring to the situation in states such as Bihar and West Bengal, Sarkar also raised concerns that people belonging to Scheduled Castes and economically weaker sections of society could potentially be left out of the electoral rolls.

He urged all political parties, their leaders and workers involved in the SIR process to remain alert and ensure transparency throughout the exercise.

Sarkar also called upon the Election Department, which is responsible for supervising and regulating the revision of electoral rolls, to discharge its duties with utmost caution and responsibility. He said the department must remain impartial while ensuring the inclusion of all eligible voters and function in a manner that remains above criticism.

Sarkar also drew particular attention to the issue of newly married women who may have shifted to their husbands’ homes during the SIR exercise. He said their names should not be removed from the electoral rolls merely because they have moved from their parental homes.

He suggested that officials should establish proper communication with such women and their families and verify necessary details, including their place of birth and parental family information, before taking any decision. This, he said, would help ensure that their names remain on the electoral rolls without unnecessary obstacles or irregularities.