Voter Lists at Risk: SAR Review Sparks Outcry in Jharkhand

The Special Intensive Review (SAR) underway in Jharkhand has ignited a wave of criticism from state officials and civil society alike. Dr. Irfan Ansari, a senior minister from Ranchi, urged the central authorities to halt the SAR immediately and to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar from his position.

Ansari argued that the SAR is causing a surge of hardships for vulnerable groups, including the poor, tribal populations, Dalits, Muslims and other marginalized communities. He noted that many are forced to suspend their regular occupations to chase paperwork, attend multiple government offices, and meet stringent document verification requirements.

The minister’s appeal centers on the belief that voter eligibility must be preserved above all else. He warned that failing to stop the SAR could lead to the exclusion of legitimate voters from the electoral roll, undermining the democratic fabric of the state.

He also called for an impartial investigation into the functioning of the Chief Election Commissioner, stressing that any perceived bias could erode confidence in the election process.

If the SAR is not suspended, Ansari said the opposition will launch intensified democratic demonstrations, demanding a transparent assessment of the entire review mechanism.