Polity · GS2.2, GS2.1, GS2.3 · 2026-10-26 · 2 min read · 2026-10-26-am
Anti-SIR Protests and State Assembly Resolutions in Tamil Nadu and Kerala
CPI (M) leaders have urged Tamil Nadu to pass a resolution against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, following Kerala's unanimous resolution demanding its scrapping. This issue raises important questions about electoral governance, federalism, and institutional autonomy relevant for UPSC exams.
The demand to scrap SIR highlights tensions between state legislatures and the Union government over electoral roll management and democratic rights.
Why is this in the news?
On October 25, 2026, CPI (M) politburo member G. Ramakrishnan called for Tamil Nadu to pass a resolution in its State Assembly to scrap the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, following Kerala's similar unanimous resolution.
What is the controversy around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
- SIR and voter deletion. The BJP-led Union government is accused of using SIR to delete around 13.5 crore voters from electoral rolls, raising concerns about disenfranchisement.
- Opposition unity. Except for the BJP, the entire opposition has united in demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the SIR issue.
How have states responded to the SIR issue?
- Kerala's resolution. Kerala's Legislative Assembly, including ruling Congress and opposition Left Front parties, unanimously passed a resolution demanding the scrapping of SIR.
- Tamil Nadu's demand. CPI (M) leader G. Ramakrishnan urged Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister to introduce and adopt a similar resolution against SIR in the State Assembly.
Why does the SIR controversy matter for federalism and governance?
- State autonomy in electoral matters. The demand for state Assembly resolutions against SIR reflects tensions over state roles in electoral roll management versus Union government actions.
- Institutional autonomy. Calls for removal of the Chief Election Commissioner highlight concerns about the independence of constitutional bodies overseeing elections.
Key numbers
| Figure | What it measures | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 13.5 crore | Number of voters allegedly deleted from electoral rolls due to SIR |
Back to basics: State Assembly Resolutions and Electoral Rolls
State Legislative Assemblies can pass resolutions expressing their stance on policies or actions, which can influence governance and political discourse. Electoral rolls are official lists of eligible voters maintained to ensure free and fair elections, and their revision is a sensitive process requiring transparency and fairness.
Practice: MCQ, Mains and revision
Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls: 1. The BJP-led Union government is accused of deleting around 13.5 crore voters through SIR. 2. Kerala and Tamil Nadu have both passed unanimous resolutions scrapping SIR. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and trap
Answer: (a). Kerala has passed a unanimous resolution against SIR, but Tamil Nadu has only been urged to pass such a resolution; it has not passed one yet.
Mains question (15 marks)
Discuss the implications of state Assembly resolutions against Union government policies on electoral roll management for federalism and institutional autonomy in India.
Discuss: Explain how state Assembly resolutions on electoral issues reflect federal tensions and affect institutional autonomy.
Intro: State Assembly resolutions against Union policies on electoral rolls highlight federal and institutional challenges.
- Explain the role of electoral rolls and the significance of their revision.
- Discuss the controversy over SIR and voter deletion allegations.
- Analyze how state resolutions like Kerala's affect Centre-State relations and institutional autonomy.
- Evaluate the broader implications for democratic governance and federalism.
Conclusion: State Assembly resolutions on electoral governance reveal ongoing federal tensions and the need to safeguard institutional independence.
Quick revision
- What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
- SIR is a process of revising electoral rolls, which has been criticized for allegedly deleting 13.5 crore voters.
- Which state has passed a unanimous resolution against SIR?
- Kerala's Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution demanding the scrapping of SIR.
- What action has been demanded against the Chief Election Commissioner related to SIR?
- The opposition, except BJP, has united in demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over SIR.