124 former officers write open letter backing SIR, question 'vote chori' allegations

New Delhi: Amid the controversy over the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, 124 former IAS, IFS and other officers have issued an open letter in support of the Commission. In the letter, the officers question the allegations of vote theft and electoral fraud, saying they are being made without credible evidence.

The letter states clearly that citizens have the right to question the electoral process. But those making allegations must also take on the responsibility of proving them.

The former officers have also set out the changes in India's electoral system. According to them, the country's electoral process has moved beyond the era of booth capturing, bogus voting and electoral violence. The present system includes several safeguards, such as agents of political parties at polling stations, sealing of EVMs, security of strong rooms and matching of VVPAT slips.

The letter also mentions the safeguards available during the SIR process. These include issuing notices to the people concerned, an opportunity for a hearing, a system of appeal and the participation of booth-level representatives of political parties.

Citing the stand of the Supreme Court, the former officers said the court reviewed the process and laid down additional safeguards. The letter also claims that the court has recognised the Election Commission's authority to conduct SIR.

The former officers have said that accurate electoral rolls are essential for fair elections. Citing the example of Bihar, the letter refers to about 22 lakh dead voters and 7 lakh fake identity cards. It also says that about 21.5 lakh new voters will be added to the list.

They say that holding false identities on the electoral roll damages the credibility of the electoral process. Their argument is that an accurate roll helps protect the rights of genuine voters.