Chandigarh: Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon has urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to order an inquiry into alleged “unauthorised activities” during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, claiming some officials were collecting data unrelated to the exercise and promoting Punjab govt schemes.In a representation to the ECI and Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Anindita Mitra, Dhillon alleged that some officials conducting the SIR were asking electors for information relating to state welfare schemes, an exercise he said was “wholly unrelated” to electoral roll revision.He also alleged that complaints had been received from several places that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were demanding documents not prescribed under the SIR guidelines. According to the representation, some tenants were allegedly being asked to produce registered rent deeds or affidavits from landlords to establish their residence.Dhillon said such demands were creating confusion among voters and making the revision process “unnecessarily complicated and inconvenient”. He maintained that the ECI had consistently stressed that electoral roll revision should be transparent, citizen-friendly and hassle-free.The BJP leader sought an immediate inquiry into officials allegedly collecting unrelated information or promoting Punjab govt schemes during the exercise, and demanded disciplinary action if the allegations were found to be true.
