Prashant Kishor Challenges BJP: "No SIR or FIR Will Save You When People Turn Against You"

Prashant Kishor delivered a sharp critique of the BJP government regarding the Special Intensive Revision implementation in Bihar.

In Purnea, Bihar, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor offered pointed remarks on Monday about the BJP-led central government following the Election Commission's announcement of the second phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories. Kishor emphasized that regardless of the BJP's actions, a party cannot survive once public opinion turns against it.

"SIR was implemented in Bihar already. What impact did it have? Was anyone actually removed from voter lists? Some people experienced difficulties, certainly. The BJP can attempt whatever strategies they want—whether trying to remove names, intimidate individuals, or create obstacles. However, when people decide to oppose you, neither SIR nor FIR will protect you," Kishor stated during his media interaction.

This commentary followed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar's Monday announcement that the Election Commission of India (ECI) would implement the second phase of Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories, with the final voter list scheduled for publication on February 7, 2026.

The first SIR phase was conducted in Bihar during September, preceding the State's Assembly elections.

During a New Delhi press conference, CEC Kumar detailed that the exercise would encompass Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

The Election Commission outlined the implementation timeline: printing and training from October 28 to November 3, followed by an Enumeration Phase lasting from November to December 4. The Draft Electoral Rolls will be published on December 9, initiating a claims and objection period extending from December 9 to January 8, 2026. The Notice Phase for hearing and verification will occur between December 9 and January 31, 2026, culminating in the Final Electoral Rolls publication on February 7, 2026.

"The second phase of SIR will soon be implemented across 12 States and UTs," the CEC announced.

Kumar clarified that separate directives for Special Intensive Revision of voter lists would be issued for Assam due to the state's distinct provisions under the Citizenship Act.

During the national capital press conference, CEC Kumar explained that the citizenship verification process in Assam, conducted under Supreme Court supervision, is nearing completion.

He elaborated, "India's Citizenship Act contains separate provisions specifically for Assam. Under Supreme Court supervision, the citizenship verification process there is approaching completion. The June 24 SIR order applied nationwide. Under these circumstances, this would not have applied to Assam. Therefore, separate revision orders will be issued specifically for Assam."

Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, establishes special citizenship provisions covered by the Assam Accord.

Following Supreme Court directives, the ECI has incorporated Aadhaar into the list of 12 indicative documents, according to its September 9 order concerning the SIR implementation in Bihar.