Punjab Assembly Unanimously Passes Resolution Against SIR, Seeks Independent Probeਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿਧਾਨ ਸਭਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਐਸਆਈਆਰ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ ਮਤਾ ਸਰਬਸੰਮਤੀ ਨਾਲ ਪਾਸ, ਸੁਤੰਤਰ ਜਾਂਚ ਦੀ ਮੰਗ

The Punjab Assembly on Friday, 23 October 2026, unanimously passed a resolution against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demanded an independent inquiry, Babushahi, The Hindustan Times and Rozana Spokesman reported. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Punjab had become the first state in the country to bring such a resolution.

What does the resolution say?

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema moved the resolution on the second day of the special session, The Hindustan Times reported. It expresses concern over eligible citizens allegedly being deprived of their vote and seeks an independent and impartial probe into the election commission's functioning under Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the voter deletions, according to HT and TV9 Punjabi. ABP Live reported that it also asks for action against those found responsible and for the Election Commission's independence to be protected.

What did the Speaker and the Chief Minister say?

Babushahi reported that Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan cited Articles 324, 325 and 326 of the Constitution, which cover the Election Commission's role, non-discrimination in electoral rolls and adult suffrage. ABP Live reported that Mann demanded the SIR process be scrapped. He said that earlier people chose governments, but now governments were deciding who may vote, and he alleged that labourers and daily-wage workers were being harassed in the name of SIR, according to Rozana Spokesman and ABP Punjabi. These are the Chief Minister's statements in the House.

Why is SIR a political issue in Punjab?

The Times of India reported that election officials began the door-to-door verification drive in June 2026, and that Congress has raised concerns over the reported deletion of more than 13 lakh voters. The issue matters ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with both AAP and Congress questioning the exercise. Cheema accused the BJP of "vote chori", an allegation made on the floor of the House. The Amar Ujala preview said the opposition had planned its own motion.

What happens next?

A resolution of the House is a political statement and does not by itself stop the revision. The Centre and the Election Commission had not responded in the reports reviewed. The session runs until 27 October.

Which state first passed a resolution against SIR?

According to Chief Minister Mann, Punjab is the first state to do so.

Who moved the resolution in the Punjab Assembly?

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema moved it, and it was passed unanimously.

What does the resolution demand?

An independent inquiry into alleged voter deletions and the Election Commission's conduct, and action against those found responsible.