States » EastPosted at: Sep 28 2026 7:36PM


Odisha Congress questions CM Majhi’s support for SIR, seeks action against CEC

Bhubaneswar, Sep 28 (UNI) Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das on Monday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi over his support for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Addressing newsmen here Das termed the Chief Minister’s support for the Election Commission and the SIR exercise “condemnable and ridiculous” and alleged that the process had raised serious questions over the protection of constitutional and democratic rights.
Rejecting Majhi’s statements in support of the SIR, the OPCC president questioned the transparency and decision-making process behind the electoral-roll revision.
“If the SIR process is transparent, why did two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, raise objections more than 14 times over the past 10 months regarding the SIR and electoral-roll revision process?” Das asked.
He also questioned the Chief Minister’s assertion that allegations against the process were false and sought an explanation on how the Election Commission’s decision could be described as unanimous despite the alleged dissent of the two Election Commissioners.
“How can the BJP call it a unanimous decision of the Election Commission despite the dissenting opinions of two Election Commissioners on several occasions? Is it also false that the two Election Commissioners approached the Cabinet Secretary with their grievances?” he asked.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s observations on the Delhi SIR notice, Das alleged that the apex court had flagged shortcomings in the manner in which the Election Commission was proceeding.
“When the Supreme Court has pointed out shortcomings in the process, on what basis is the Odisha Chief Minister describing it as justified and technology-driven?” he asked.
Das further alleged that the SIR exercise could lead to the exclusion of genuine voters from electoral rolls and claimed that such exclusions would benefit a particular political party.
He said the Congress was organising peaceful protests to protect citizens’ voting rights, but alleged that the Chief Minister had described such protests as “anarchy”.
“Since when has fighting for people’s rights in a democracy become anarchy? The Chief Minister should clarify this,” Das said.
The OPCC president reiterated the Congress demand for an inquiry against CEC Gyanesh Kumar and his removal from office. He alleged that constitutional provisions were being used to facilitate decisions according to the CEC’s wishes.
Das further alleged that any attempt to manipulate electoral rolls amounted to a serious offence and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.
He warned that the BJP government could not silence the Congress through police action or what he termed “false statements”.
Das said the OPCC would continue its agitation until the CEC resigned and greater transparency was ensured in the electoral process.
He also urged Chief Minister Majhi to focus on safeguarding the constitutional and voting rights of the people of Odisha instead of defending the Election Commission.
UNI DP
Tags: #Odisha Congress questions CM Majhi’s support for SIR# seeks action against CEC
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