Election Commission Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi Over Form 6 Claims Amid SIR Row
The Election Commission strongly defended its voter registration process and Form 6 changes against allegations from Rahul Gandhi and opposition parties regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). 'The order for SIR in Bihar issued on 24 June 2025 was issued with the unanimous approval of the Commission,' the Election Commission said.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has strongly refuted recent social media claims made by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding Form 6, terming his statements misleading amid an ongoing political row over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The poll panel defended its statutory processes, asserting that the actions taken are legally sound and backed by judicial precedents.
ECI Counters Form 6 Claims
The controversy centres on modifications made to online Form 6 - the application form used for voter registration. Rahul Gandhi had previously questioned the poll panel on X (formerly Twitter) regarding who authorised changes to the form, alleging that alterations were executed illegally. ‘Cannot Pass Order on Newspaper Report’: Supreme Court Seeks EC Reply on Gyanesh Kumar’s Alleged Unilateral Decisions.
The Statement Made in This Post Is Misleading, Says Election Commission
Fact Check
❌The statement made in this post is misleading
✅1) The order for SIR in Bihar issued on 24 June 2025 was issued with the unanimous approval of the Commission. This order has been upheld by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in its judgment dated 27 May 2026
✅2) In its Press Note No. 120 dated 26 September 2026, in Point 1(iii), ECI has stated that, "The declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR has been upheld by the Hon'ble Supreme Court."
#ECIFactCheck
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) October 5, 2026
In his post, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "It is now established beyond doubt that Gyanesh Kumar changed Form 6 illegally and unilaterally." He also stated that Kumar and everyone else involved in the criminal assault on democracy will be held accountable. In response, the Election Commission clarified that the administrative framework governing the process has full legal backing. Highlighting the legitimacy of the measures, the commission emphasised that the directive for the SIR in Bihar - initially issued on June 24, 2025 - received the unanimous approval of the full panel and was subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court of India in its judgment on May 27, 2026. The commission also said that in its Press Note No. 120 dated September 16, Point 1(iii), ECI has stated that, "The declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR has been upheld by the Hon'ble Supreme Court".
Background on the SIR Controversy
The latest rebuttal comes in the wake of escalating political friction between the opposition and the election watchdog over electoral roll revisions. The ECI noted in its previous press communications that the specific declarations attached to Form 6 are tailored exclusively for the SIR process, whereas non-SIR periods continue to utilise standard forms governed by the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. CJP Protest Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar; Opposition Calls It Fight to ‘Save Democracy’, BJP Says ‘Fake Narrative’ Won’t Succeed.
While opposition leaders continue to flag procedural transparency concerns, the poll panel maintains that electoral roll updates strictly follow established statutory protocols.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 05, 2026 08:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
