Election Commission Extends SIR Timelines in Delhi, Maharashtra and 4 StatesThe Election Commission has extended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls schedule across Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Telangana, and Nagaland following requests from their respective Chief Electoral Officers. In Maharashtra, the deadline for filing claims and objections has moved to 13 November, with the final electoral roll to be published on 30 November.
In Delhi, claims and objections can now be submitted until 25 November, with disposals pushed to 15 December and publication of the final roll set for 22 December to address logical discrepancies.UP Tightens Job Rules, Bars Candidates Linked To Violent Regime Change CallsThe Uttar Pradesh government has revised character verification rules for government recruitment, barring candidates associated with organisations seeking regime change through violent means. Under the directives, participation in such activities within three years preceding verification, after turning 21, may lead to disqualification.
The state clarified that political ideology alone cannot disqualify candidates, nor does a pending FIR or investigation automatically bar employment. Opposition parties have criticised the directive, alleging that the administration is attempting to suppress democratic protests and intimidate students and youth.INDIA Bloc Steps Up Heat on CEC Gyanesh Kumar as BJP Launches Counter-PadyatraThe INDIA bloc has escalated its confrontation against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, organising a symbolic public impeachment proceeding at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence followed by a mega rally at Ramlila Maidan on November 1.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar is set to preside, while Rahul Gandhi delivers the concluding address, focusing on issues surrounding the Special Intensive Revision. Meanwhile, the BJP has countered with its 'Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao' padyatra campaign, led by party leaders who dismissed the allegations and challenged the opposition to present evidence before the Election Commission.Opposition CEC Impeachment Drive, BJP Counterattack & Mega Rally RowThe political showdown over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has escalated as the INDIA bloc initiated a public impeachment programme against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar is set to preside over the proceedings, where Mallikarjun Kharge moves the motion and Rahul Gandhi delivers the concluding address. The opposition maintains the symbolic exercise aims to raise public awareness against alleged voter deletions, asserting that the government refused to permit discussions inside Parliament.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly countered the initiative, labelling the exercise a political charade and accusing the opposition of confusing parliamentary proceedings with street agitation. The confrontation unfolds ahead of the INDIA bloc's scheduled mega rally at Ramlila Maidan, where Congress has alleged administrative attempts to disrupt crowd mobilisation by cancelling trains and obstructing transport.