Paddy Harvest Season Is On’: Deepak Baij Demands 3-Month Extension for SIR, Cites Problems in Naxal-Affected Areas

Raipur: The Election Commission has granted a one-week extension for the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) process, offering temporary relief to citizens. However, the Chhattisgarh Congress has termed the extension inadequate. State Congress President Deepak Baij has reiterated that the party had submitted a memorandum requesting a three-month extension, given the ongoing paddy harvesting and procurement season across the state.

Floods in Bastar Damaged Documents

Baij said that due to severe floods in Bastar, a large number of people lost their essential documents. Many papers were washed away or damaged beyond use. Under such circumstances, completing the SIR process within a single month is “impossible,” he said. He added that citizens must be given at least three months to arrange and submit their documents.

Challenges in Naxal-Affected Villages

The Congress Chief pointed out that due to the stoppage of MGNREGA work, people from various districts—including Bilaspur, Mungeli, Janjgir-Champa, Jashpur and several regions of Bastar—have migrated to other states in search of work. Completing their SIR within one month is extremely difficult.

He further highlighted that more than 600 villages in Bastar, previously affected by Naxal activities, had witnessed mass migration over the years to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. “How will their SIR be completed in such a short period? This is a serious concern,” Baij said, emphasising the need for a three-month extension.

Commission’s Claims Only on Paper

Baij criticised the Election Commission’s progress reports as “merely on paper.” Even after 26 days, physical submission of forms has not crossed 50 per cent, he claimed.
“How will the remaining voters complete their SIR in just 10 days? The Commission claims that 97 per cent of forms have been collected, but in reality many people have neither received their forms nor submitted them.”
He insisted that the deadline must be extended to ensure every voter gets adequate time.

Three Years Left for Elections

Baij also argued that with nearly three years left for the next assembly elections, there is no urgency to complete the intensive voter list revision in just one month. Extending the period to three months would ensure convenience and fairness for all citizens.

The Election Commission on Sunday revised the deadline from 4 December to 11 December, extending the SIR process by one week.