EVM Debate Returns

BSP Raises Concerns Over SIR and Electoral Process

Voter Trust at the Centre of Political Debate

Pooja Srivastava |

Anytime News Network

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has renewed her party’s demand for ballot paper-based voting, while raising concerns over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), VVPAT and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

In a press note issued on September 28, 2026, the BSP said that public confidence in the electoral process must remain central to a functioning democracy. Mayawati argued that voters should have confidence that their vote is recorded and counted for the candidate of their choice.

EVM Question

The BSP press note reiterates the party’s long-standing opposition to voting through EVMs. Mayawati referred to earlier political debates surrounding the security and reliability of electronic voting and called for a return to the ballot-paper system.

The Election Commission, however, has maintained procedures involving EVMs and VVPATs as part of the electoral process. Its official documents describe measures including EVM randomisation and VVPAT deployment, while the Commission has previously rejected allegations of EVM tampering.

VVPAT Under Focus

Mayawati also questioned the existing VVPAT arrangement in her statement. The BSP’s position is that a return to ballot papers would address concerns surrounding electronic voting and help restore confidence in the voting process.

SIR Concerns

The BSP press note also raises concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The party has called for issues and apprehensions associated with electoral-roll revision to be addressed in time so that eligible voters are not left uncertain about their participation in elections.

The Election Commission currently provides voter-education and electoral-roll services through its official platforms, including information related to SIR-2026.

Law and Order Mentioned

The BSP statement also refers to law-and-order concerns in parts of the country and urges the concerned governments to take appropriate measures in the public interest.

Electoral Trust in Focus

The latest BSP statement places EVMs, VVPAT, SIR and voter confidence together at the centre of its political argument. While the BSP is demanding a return to ballot-paper voting, the Election Commission continues to operate the EVM-VVPAT framework under established electoral procedures.

The debate therefore continues around a central democratic question: how can electoral procedures maintain both operational integrity and public confidence?