S.Y. Quraishi on Voter List Row: 'Purification of Electoral Rolls Is a Constitutional Mandate'

On this Special Report, former Chief Election Commissioner Dr. S.Y. Quraishi discusses the controversy surrounding mass deletions from electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Addressing concerns raised by opposition parties like the Trinamool Congress, Quraishi emphasizes that 'the focus on the purification of electoral roll and at regular updation is a constitutional mandate and a legal mandate'. He argues that attempting to complete a massive revision exercise in just 30 days is 'impossible' and likely to result in significant chaos and complaints. The discussion highlights the need for the Election Commission to maintain transparency regarding its procedures, including the alleged use of artificial intelligence for managing roles. Quraishi also references past discrepancies in Bihar, where thousands were reportedly deleted erroneously, and calls for the EC to address specific safeguards requested by political parties to prevent bias and ensure no legitimate voter is excluded from the democratic process.