“We will welcome it”: Himanta Biswa Sarma on ECI’s special electoral roll revision

As the Election Commission of India (ECI) prepares to announce the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across several states, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday, October 27 said the state government would “welcome” the move if implemented nationwide.

“We are aware that the Election Commission of India is holding a press conference today. If the SIR is announced nationwide, we will welcome it,” Sarma told reporters, expressing support for the electoral body’s initiative.

According to official sources, the ECI will announce the SIR schedule at a press briefing slated for 4:15 PM on October 27, likely to be led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Though the poll body’s media advisory did not specify the agenda, officials quoted by PTI confirmed that the conference will primarily address the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Chief Minister Sarma also lashed out at Congress leader Priyank Kharge, calling him a “first-class idiot” for allegedly making derogatory comments about the education and capability of Assamese youth.

“Priyank Kharge has insulted Assamese youth, and Congress has not yet condemned this. Perhaps, we might file a case against him because he has said that Assam does not have educated youth. It is an insult to the entire Assamese youth,” Sarma asserted.