📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Finance of India
Politics
Assam CM says Congress opposes SIR, citing protection of ineligible voters
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 02 Nov 2026, 10:32 AM
👁 19
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed the Congress party is opposing the SIR scheme, alleging it would safeguard ineligible voters.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters that the Congress party is standing against the implementation of the SIR (Special Incremental Register) system. He argued that the opposition is motivated by a desire to protect voters who do not meet eligibility criteria.
The CM said the SIR initiative is intended to update and verify the electoral roll, ensuring that only qualified citizens can cast ballots. According to him, Congress's resistance could undermine the integrity of upcoming elections in the state.
Sarkar officials have not yet released detailed data on the number of voters affected, but the CM emphasized that the government will proceed with the register's rollout despite political objections.
Political analysts note that the dispute reflects broader tensions between the ruling BJP-led administration in Assam and the opposition Congress, especially ahead of the next state assembly elections.
The Centre's Election Commission is expected to monitor the situation closely, given the potential impact on voter registration processes across the region.
The CM said the SIR initiative is intended to update and verify the electoral roll, ensuring that only qualified citizens can cast ballots. According to him, Congress's resistance could undermine the integrity of upcoming elections in the state.
Sarkar officials have not yet released detailed data on the number of voters affected, but the CM emphasized that the government will proceed with the register's rollout despite political objections.
Political analysts note that the dispute reflects broader tensions between the ruling BJP-led administration in Assam and the opposition Congress, especially ahead of the next state assembly elections.
The Centre's Election Commission is expected to monitor the situation closely, given the potential impact on voter registration processes across the region.