India’s opposition parties have warned that the government’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists across nine states and three union territories threatens the country’s democratic integrity. They allege the process could disenfranchise poor and minority voters, particularly Muslims, while consolidating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political power. The issue triggered heated debate in Parliament last week, with opposition leaders accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of manipulating electoral rolls under the guise of administrative reform.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed the SIR is part of a broader plan to undermine India’s electoral continuity, likening it to the controversial National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam that left millions of Muslims stateless. The BJP, however, insists the revision aims to remove “illegal infiltrators” and protect democratic integrity. Home Minister Amit Shah defended the policy, saying it ensures that only legitimate citizens determine India’s leadership.

Analysts warn the move could deepen communal polarization and strain India’s secular framework ahead of upcoming state elections. Human rights groups have urged transparency and independent oversight of the revision process.