New Delhi: India has strongly criticised US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal over her remarks on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra describing her comments as unacceptable interference in the country’s internal affairs.
The diplomatic exchange followed Jayapal’s criticism of the voter roll revision exercise in India. The Democratic lawmaker described the process as an attempt to remove 130 million people from electoral rolls and compared it to measures she said could undermine voting rights under the Trump administration.
Responding to her comments, Kwatra defended India’s electoral framework, highlighting the country’s democratic institutions and its record of conducting elections. He maintained that India’s electoral and political processes should not be subject to outside interference.
The ambassador also expressed willingness to engage in constructive discussions with Jayapal to address what he described as misconceptions about India’s electoral system.
Jayapal’s remarks came after she voiced support for peaceful protests against what she characterised as anti democratic developments in India.
She emphasised that people in both India and the United States deserved free and fair elections, stressing the importance of protecting democratic rights and institutions.
Her comments have added an international dimension to the ongoing political debate in India over the SIR exercise, which has drawn criticism from opposition parties and activists concerned about the potential removal of eligible voters from electoral rolls.
The voter roll revision exercise has become a major point of contention between the ruling establishment and opposition parties. Demonstrators, including supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), have called for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign, alleging irregularities in the electoral process.
Delhi has witnessed heightened political activity surrounding the issue, with demonstrations and security restrictions reported in several areas.
Hundreds of people, including activists, journalists and lawyers, were detained by Delhi Police during a crackdown linked to a planned CJP protest on October 10. Security arrangements have subsequently been strengthened ahead of further demonstrations.
The controversy has intensified debate over electoral transparency, voter registration and the independence of constitutional institutions, while the exchange between Kwatra and Jayapal has highlighted the growing international attention surrounding India’s electoral processes.
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