States » EastPosted at: Oct 29 2026 6:59PM


Arunachal: MoS Pabitra Margherita defends SIR, accuses Congress of politicising electoral revision

Itanagar, Oct 29 (UNI) union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita on Thursday defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, accusing the Congress of politicising the exercise and creating confusion over a process aimed at ensuring accurate voter lists.
Addressing a press conference at the state BJP headquarters here, Margherita thanked the people of Arunachal Pradesh for their cooperation during the SIR exercise and said the peaceful conduct of the revision demonstrated the importance of public participation in electoral processes. Arunachal Pradesh BJP chief spokesperson and MLA Mutchu Mithi was also present.
Margherita maintained that electoral roll revision was an established exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India to ensure the accuracy and reliability of voter lists. He pointed out that such revisions had been carried out under successive governments, including Congress-led administrations, and questioned the Congress’s opposition to the process.
According to figures cited by the minister, around 22 per cent of entries were removed from the existing electoral rolls in Arunachal Pradesh following verification. The deletions reportedly included entries relating to deceased voters, people who had shifted residence, individuals whose whereabouts could not be established and duplicate registrations.
He credited the cooperation of citizens across communities and political affiliations for the conduct of the exercise, claiming that participation extended to Congress members and representatives as well.
Emphasising the need for accurate electoral rolls, Margherita said periodic verification was necessary to address duplicate registrations and changes in voters’ residence. He, however, stressed that no eligible citizen should lose voting rights because of an administrative or clerical error.
He urged voters whose names might have been omitted incorrectly to approach the appropriate electoral authorities and seek inclusion or correction through the prescribed procedures.
The minister accused the Congress leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, of turning electoral procedures into a political controversy following electoral setbacks. He challenged the party to substantiate its allegations with evidence and pursue available legal remedies rather than create public confusion.
Margherita said the Election Commission should be allowed to discharge its constitutional responsibilities in accordance with the law, while genuine grievances should be addressed through established administrative and legal mechanisms.
He also called for respect for constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission and the judiciary, and said electoral integrity and the protection of eligible voters’ rights must go hand in hand.
Reiterating the BJP’s position, Margherita said transparent verification, reliable electoral rolls and accessible correction procedures were essential to maintaining public confidence in free and fair elections. He appealed to eligible voters to verify their electoral details and seek corrections wherever necessary.
The minister also acknowledged the role of election officials, Booth Level Officers, political representatives, civil society organisations and citizens in supporting the revision exercise.
Concluding the presser, he thanked the people of Arunachal Pradesh for their cooperation and urged political parties to place democratic responsibility above partisan differences.
The BJP reiterated its message under the slogan “Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy”, calling for electoral transparency, protection of eligible voters’ rights and respect for constitutional processes. He appealed to eligible voters to verify their electoral details and seek corrections wherever necessary.
The minister also acknowledged the role of election officials, Booth Level Officers, political representatives, civil society organisations and citizens in supporting the revision exercise.
Concluding the presser, he thanked the people of Arunachal Pradesh for their cooperation and urged political parties to place democratic responsibility above partisan differences.
The BJP reiterated its message under the slogan “Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy”, calling for electoral transparency, protection of eligible voters’ rights and respect for constitutional processes.
UNI TD RSA
Tags: #Arunachal: MoS Pabitra Margherita defends SIR# accuses Congress of politicising electoral revision
More News

Bangladeshi Hindus lodged in Raiganj, other correctional homes to be released soon: Bengal CM

29 Oct 2026 | 7:50 PM

Siliguri, Oct 29 (UNI) Bangladeshi Hindus who fled their homes and crossed into India to escape alleged attacks and persecution by Jamaat members will be released from correctional homes as soon as possible, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said at a public rally in Raiganj on Thursday.

see more..

BMC slaps fines for illegal concrete waste dumping

29 Oct 2026 | 7:42 PM

Bhubaneswar, Oct 29 (UNI) The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday imposed fines of Rs 25,000 and Rs 20,000 for the unauthorised dumping of concrete waste along the 200-feet main road near Buddha Bihar, Lumbini Bihar Turning and Utkal Hospital.

see more..

Odisha: Railways set up help desk at Berhampur

29 Oct 2026 | 7:36 PM

Berhampur, Oct 29 (UNI) The East Coast Railway’s Khurda Road Division has set up a Passenger Assistance Help Desk at Brahmapur station to assist passengers affected by train disruptions caused by severe waterlogging and rising water levels between Ichapuram and Sompeta stations in Odisha.

see more..

Mizoram films to be showcased at Kerala nature festival

29 Oct 2026 | 7:33 PM

Aizawl, Oct 29 (UNI) Four films from Mizoram will be screened at the 8th Rain International Nature Film Festival in Kochi, Kerala, where the state has been selected as the Focus State, offering Mizo filmmakers a platform to showcase their work and promote the state’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

see more..

Ranchi hospitals, clinics told to display rates, doctors' details

29 Oct 2026 | 7:25 PM

Ranchi, Oct 29 (UNI) The Ranchi district health administration has directed all nursing homes, hospitals, clinics and other applicable clinical establishments to prominently display their registration certificates, service rate charts and details of doctors, giving them seven days to comply.

see more..