P Chidambaram; ex-diplomat Navdeep Suri NEW DELHI: Former Union minister P Chidambaram on Monday said the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls could leave 10% of India’s eligible population — or nearly 10 crore people — without the right to vote, after a former diplomat detailed difficulties he faced establishing his citizenship during the exercise in Punjab.Navdeep Suri, who served as India’s Ambassador to Egypt and the UAE and High Commissioner to Australia, questioned what the experience of a common citizen might be if he himself faced difficulties despite having represented the country in three nations.“Based on the outcomes so far, at the end of the S.I.R. process, 10% of India’s adult population will be ‘citizens’ but without the right to vote, thanks to the ECI. That is nearly 10 crore people. The ECI has created a new category of ‘non-voting citizens’,” the senior Congress leader wrote, referring to Suri’s post.Earlier, Suri said his details did not match the 2003 electoral rolls used for verification because he was posted in London at the time and had not participated in that revision.“Sharing my experience with #SIR in Punjab. Went to BLO, submitted Voter ID and Aadhaar card, was assured that everything is in order. Got a message today from a volunteer saying some details don’t match with SIR in 2003!!” Suri posted on X.According to the former diplomat, officials later asked him to produce his passport as proof of citizenship.“Spoke with BLO, was told that I should come and collect the notice. And then come again with unspecified documents that show I am an Indian citizen… I happen to have documents other than voter ID and Aadhaar card. Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesBut can’t help asking: If I have trouble establishing my citizenship after representing India in three countries, what’s the fate of the common citizen? Ease of Living, I presume!” he added.Meanwhile, the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer assured citizens that receiving a notice was not a cause for concern.“As part of the ongoing SIR process, notices are being delivered to voters where required. Received a notice? Don’t worry! Simply check the details, submit the required documents, and complete the process,” the Punjab CEO stated on X earlier.The draft electoral roll for Punjab was published on August 13. The state is currently undergoing the second phase of the SIR, which involves reviewing the draft electoral rolls and filing claims and objections.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosChennai Murder Mystery: Woman’s Remains Found on Tamil Nadu Express, Police Hunt Couple in Odisha’No Full Press Conference’: US Envoy Gor On India’s ‘No Questions’ Request Before Modi-Trump Meet‘Represented India In 3 Nations’: Former Envoy Flags ‘Trouble Establishing Citizenship’ During SIRJaish Rebuilds Bahawalpur Complex Struck By India During Op Sindoor’India Can Attract Global Talent With Your Help’: PM Modi Meets Space Startups On National Space DayDelhi Cops Attacked With Chilli Powder & Bricks In Mukundpur; 17-Year-Old Arrested‘Plan To Meet Vance, Mamdani’: Why MEA Denied Permission For Telangana CM Revanth Reddy’s US Trip?’No Problem When Boys Do It’: Rahul Gandhi’s Attack At PM Modi Over Jantar Mantar AbuseYoutuber Ajeet Bharti Lists 4 Big Demands At Jantar Mantar, Calls For Reservation Reform And MeritPM Modi Meets BJP’s New Team At Delhi HQ As Party Pushes Vande Mataram Legacy Nationwide123Photostories10 traditional Maharashtrian breakfast dishes for a flavourful start5 Indian bridal fabrics that were once considered more auspicious than silkThin hair looking flat? Try these hairstyles for instant volume6 subtle signs you’re being taken for granted by your partner10 baby names inspired by Sanskrit words that signify success and prosperityYour body after 40: 10 changes doctor says you should never dismiss as “just ageing”5 signs you’re losing yourself while trying to save your relationshipThe slow fade: 5 signs someone you love is pulling away5 best hair colours for Indian skin tones that instantly brighten your lookWhy the Manipuri bride’s traditional Potloi is in a league of its own123Hot PicksTCS laptop monitoring softwareTNEA counselling3 year practice ruleCM Revanth ReddyWeather tomorrowNEET UG 2026US-Canada tradeSIM card rulesBank holiday todayTop TrendingNBA Trade RumorReservation Hatao AndolanLucknow Double Murder SuicideMadhapur Road AccidentMaharashtra Hill TragedyAbhijeet DipkeJharkhand Factory FireRahul GandhiBengaluru RapidoAston Martin Crash
NEW DELHI: Former Union minister P Chidambaram on Monday said the Election Commission of India (ECI)’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls could leave 10% of India’s eligible population — or nearly 10 crore people — without the right to vote, after a former diplomat detailed difficulties he faced establishing his citizenship during the exercise in Punjab.Navdeep Suri, who served as India’s Ambassador to Egypt and the UAE and High Commissioner to Australia, questioned what the experience of a common citizen might be if he himself faced difficulties despite having represented the country in three nations.“Based on the outcomes so far, at the end of the S.I.R. process, 10% of India’s adult population will be ‘citizens’ but without the right to vote, thanks to the ECI. That is nearly 10 crore people. The ECI has created a new category of ‘non-voting citizens’,” the senior Congress leader wrote, referring to Suri’s post.Earlier, Suri said his details did not match the 2003 electoral rolls used for verification because he was posted in London at the time and had not participated in that revision.“Sharing my experience with #SIR in Punjab. Went to BLO, submitted Voter ID and Aadhaar card, was assured that everything is in order. Got a message today from a volunteer saying some details don’t match with SIR in 2003!!” Suri posted on X.According to the former diplomat, officials later asked him to produce his passport as proof of citizenship.“Spoke with BLO, was told that I should come and collect the notice. And then come again with unspecified documents that show I am an Indian citizen… I happen to have documents other than voter ID and Aadhaar card.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
But can’t help asking: If I have trouble establishing my citizenship after representing India in three countries, what’s the fate of the common citizen? Ease of Living, I presume!” he added.Meanwhile, the Punjab Chief Electoral Officer assured citizens that receiving a notice was not a cause for concern.“As part of the ongoing SIR process, notices are being delivered to voters where required. Received a notice? Don’t worry! Simply check the details, submit the required documents, and complete the process,” the Punjab CEO stated on X earlier.The draft electoral roll for Punjab was published on August 13. The state is currently undergoing the second phase of the SIR, which involves reviewing the draft electoral rolls and filing claims and objections.
