File picture of BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday (Oct 27, 2025) criticized the opposition, including the Congress, for its stance on the Election Commission’s decision to conduct a special intensive review (SIR) of the electoral roll in 12 states and union territories.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said the opposition parties were like “‘asantusht atmaon ka jhund (herd of disaffected souls)” and a “master class in hypocrisy”.
“It is clear from the fact that on one hand they will say that SIR is for stealing votes, SIR is against the constitution and this should not be done. On the other hand, SIR is being demanded by opposition parties in Maharashtra before the local public polls,” Poonawalla told PTI.
Mr. Poonawalla alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties were targeting the Election Commission and using the SIR as an excuse for “imminent losses” in the upcoming polls.
Meanwhile, BJP IT cell in-charge Amit Malviya questioned the major bureaucratic change in West Bengal.
“The Election Commission has announced special intensive revision in 12 states and union territories – West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh,” he said through a post on X.
“Just prior to this announcement, the West Bengal government had carried out a massive bureaucratic reshuffle – transferring 17 DMs, 22 ADMs, 45 SDOs and 151 BDOs,” he said.
Pointing out that the order was dated October 24, he said it was only made public on Monday, “a move that raises serious questions about intent and timing.”
“No other state or union territory has witnessed such large-scale transfers right before SIR. Mamata Banerjee has also exposed her ‘assets’ – many conveniently placed in constituencies with the highest number of illegal votes,” Mr Malviya said.
A BJP leader said, “…we are watching every step. Every name, every district, every source has been mapped. Mamata Banerjee’s panic is understandable – she knows SIR will unearth illegal Bangladeshi voters and clean up fake records used for fake votes.”
(With PTI inputs)
Published – 28 Oct 2025 0:40 AM IST
