India’s electoral roll revision threatens democracy and Muslims, say critics

India's opposition parties are criticizing a special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, claiming it threatens democracy and could disenfranchise minority voters, particularly Muslims. The SIR is taking place in nine states and three union territories. Opposition leaders allege the ruling BJP is using the revision as a covert "citizenship survey" to manipulate the electoral roll and target Muslims as illegal immigrants. They fear it mirrors a previous controversial national register of citizens (NRC) in Assam, where many Muslims were detained. Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party accused the BJP of "vote theft" and undermining India's democratic elections. The BJP denies these allegations.

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