Referring to Assam's six-year-long anti-foreigners agitation, Baruah argued that the state had specific reasons to ensure the accuracy of its electoral rolls. His demand comes amid a wider political debate over voter verification.
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Assam Cabinet Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah has called for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls every five years, arguing that the exercise is necessary to ensure that no foreign national's name remains on the state's voter list.
Assam needed regular scrutiny of its electoral rolls in view of the state's longstanding concerns over illegal immigration.
“Everyone wants an SIR in Assam. Not a single foreigner's name should remain on Assam's voter list,” he said.
Referring to Assam's six-year-long anti-foreigners agitation, Baruah argued that the state had specific reasons to ensure the accuracy of its electoral rolls. His demand comes amid a wider political debate over voter verification, electoral integrity and the revision of electoral lists.
Baruah Targets Rahul Gandhi, Congress Over EVM Debate
The minister also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Opposition over their allegations concerning electronic voting machines (EVMs) and demands for a return to ballot paper voting.
Baruah accused the Congress of questioning the voting system after electoral defeats and said the party had repeatedly blamed EVMs instead of accepting the results.
“Congress never stands with the public, which is why they keep losing. And after losing, they blame EVMs, sometimes ballot papers, or make other excuses,” he said.
Minister Highlights Support at Nalbari Rally
The Jan Jagaran Samdal rally in Nalbari reportedly drew more than 30,000 people, according to the organisers. Baruah claimed that young people and women were increasingly coming forward to support the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Assam.
He also criticised groups that had opposed the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), alleging that their position ran contrary to the country's interests.
The minister's call for an SIR every five years adds to the political debate in Assam over electoral rolls and illegal immigration, an issue that has remained central to the state's politics for decades.
However, any decision on the frequency and implementation of electoral roll revisions would fall within the relevant electoral authorities' legal and administrative framework.