"To ensure genuine voting": UP Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar welcomes 2nd phase of SIR

Speaking to ANI, Rajbhar called the SIR exercise a move to ensure "genuine voting."

The UP minister said, "The Election Commission's initiative to clean up voter lists by removing deceased individuals and those registered in multiple locations aims to ensure genuine voting."

Taking a jibe at the Samajwadi Party for opposing the first phase of the SIR exercise in Bihar, he alleged that the Opposition questions the electoral process and EVMs only when they lose elections.

"The opposition is criticising SIR, which claims it disproportionately targets their voter base; they have just focused on developing their family. PDA for them (Samajwadi Party) is Parivar Development Authority. When they win the elections, they do not question the EVM, but when they lose, they raise questions," he said.

His remarks come as Akhilesh Yadav had backed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for their 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' against the SIR in Bihar and the allegations of "vote theft." The Yatra was held in 20 districts of Bihar from August 17 to September 1, ahead of the State's Assembly elections.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the second phase of Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories, including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

CEC Kumar said that the final voter list will be published on February 7, 2026.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA in Rajasthan, Jogeshwar Garg, also targeted the INDIA bloc for opposing the SIR in Bihar and said, "The opposition in Bihar attempted to create an issue around the SIR, but failed. The people of Bihar have accepted the SIR process, and over seven crore voters were reviewed without any problems. Now, the SIR will be implemented nationwide to ensure unbiased, fair elections." (ANI)