ECI functioning as arm of BJP, SIR part of strategy to manufacture majority: Congress

📌 Summary:

• Congress alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is functioning as an "arm of the BJP"
• It claimed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is part of a "Modi-Shah strategy" to "manufacture a majority" by manipulating electoral rolls
• Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh clarified that the party is not against electoral-roll revision as a process
• What is opposed is the manner in which the ECI is allegedly "managing, coordinating, and manipulating" the entire exercise
• The charge raises questions about the neutrality and independence of the constitutional body conducting the revision

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 (Polity – Election Commission, electoral reforms, RPA) — touches the independence of the ECI, electoral-roll integrity, and Centre–Opposition contestation over free and fair elections

📝 Prelims Facts:

• The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body under Article 324
• Electoral rolls are prepared/revised under the Representation of the People Act, 1950
• SIR = Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls

🔑 Key Term: Special Intensive Revision (SIR) — an intensive, house-to-house drive by the ECI to update and purify electoral rolls (add eligible voters, delete ineligible/duplicate entries)