Catholic Bishops' Body Sounds Alarm Over Electoral Roll Revision, Urges Election Commission to Protect Voting Rights

In a press release on October 7, 2026, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) expressed "shock and deep concern" over reported irregularities in the ongoing nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Representing nearly 22 million Catholics across the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara traditions, the apex episcopal body called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to guarantee that no legitimate citizen is stripped of their constitutional right to vote.

The CBCI's national appeal follows investigative reporting by The Indian Express revealing that over 130 million names were removed from draft voter rolls across 30 states and Union Territories during the nationwide revision exercise. Reports also highlighted internal friction within the Election Commission, noting that two election commissioners had repeatedly raised formal objections regarding decisions on voter registration and name deletions made without full panel concurrence.

Grassroots audits and civil society door-to-door verification drives across several states further exposed widespread discrepancies. In multiple instances, official registers improperly classified hundreds of eligible voters living at their long-standing residential addresses as absent, shifted, or deceased.

Warning against the systemic exclusion of valid voters, the CBCI cautioned that disenfranchisement risks becoming a "highly dangerous trend for Indian democracy." The bishops emphasised that public confidence in democratic governance depends on the integrity of constitutional machinery.

"The bedrock of any thriving democracy lies in the absolute trust the public places in its electoral institutions," the CBCI stated. "It is the ultimate responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure that public trust in our electoral institutions remains unshaken, and that every eligible citizen's voice is safeguarded." The religious leadership further stressed that the electoral authority must operate "without any taint of bias or partisanship" at every level.

In response to widespread civil protests over voter roll exclusions, the bishops' body expressed firm solidarity with citizens peacefully advocating for their democratic rights. "The CBCI supports and stands in solidarity with all those who are peacefully protesting for their legitimate demands and the protection of our democratic fabric," the statement read.

At the same time, the CBCI issued a strong call for restraint, urging demonstrators to keep their gatherings strictly peaceful and refrain from any form of violence.

In their concluding remarks, the Catholic bishops demanded that the Election Commission complete the remaining electoral revision with full transparency and strong verification safeguards. The CBCI urged the Christian community and citizens nationwide to "pray unceasingly for our motherland during these difficult times," reaffirming the Church's dedication to constitutional harmony, human dignity, and democratic principles.