BJP’s headache is going to increase! TDP has demanded changes in SIR

There is an uproar over the revision work in the voter list before the assembly elections in Bihar. The matter has reached the Supreme Court. Opposition parties are constantly cornering the Election Commission along with the Central Government on this issue. Amidst all this, the stand of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a major ally of the NDA, has surprised the government. The TDP has urged to give sufficient time for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that this demand of TDP can increase the headache of BJP.

The TDP says that it should not be done within six months of any major election. Also, voters already enrolled in the latest voter list should not be required to re-establish their identity. A delegation of the party told the Election Commission that the purpose of the SIR should be clearly defined. Also, it should be limited to correction and inclusion in the voter list. It should be clearly informed that this exercise is not related to citizenship verification, and this difference should be reflected in any field instructions.

The purpose of the SIR should be clearly defined and limited to correction and inclusion in the electoral rolls. It should be clearly communicated that this exercise is not related to citizenship verification, and any field instructions should reflect this distinction. The burden of proof lies on the ERO (Electoral Registration Officer) or the objector, not on the voter, especially when the name exists in the official list.

Differences within the alliance?

The Telugu Desam Party’s demand for more time for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and separating it from citizenship verification could have multiple implications on the strategy of the BJP and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This stance of the TDP, especially in the context of the ongoing SIR in poll-bound states like Bihar, could pose some challenges both within and outside the NDA.

The TDP is the second-largest ally of the NDA. The TDP has 16 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Its questioning of the SIR and seeking changes in the process could highlight differences within the alliance. This could be a challenge for the BJP, as it needs to keep its allies united, especially when it is 32 seats short of a majority on its own with 240 seats.

Opposition parties get chance to attack BJP

Chandrababu Naidu’s party has demanded to make SIR transparent, separate it from citizenship verification, and clarity in the voter deletion process. This demand could force the BJP to rethink its strategy and increase policy coordination with allies. If the BJP ignores the TDP’s demands, it could increase tensions in the alliance.

The TDP’s demand could give opposition parties, especially the Congress and the INDIA alliance, a chance to attack the BJP. The Congress has already called the SIR an attempt at ‘electoral manipulation’. If differences grow between the TDP and the BJP on this issue, the opposition could project it as a disagreement within the NDA, which could harm the BJP’s image. Moreover, if the SIR process is delayed or changed, the opposition may project it as its victory, making the BJP’s strategy look weak.