IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty alleges ‘unholy haste’ by ECI in conducting SIR in Kerala

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has approached the Supreme Court, seeking a halt to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters’ list in Kerala in view of the upcoming local body elections. Talking to the media in Malappuram on Monday (November 17, 2025), IUML national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty alleged an “unholy haste” on the part of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in conducting the SIR.

The IUML has raised various issues, including the death of booth level officer (BLO) Aneesh George, near Payyannur, in Kannur allegedly due to work pressure, as reasons for demanding a halt to the SIR.

Haris Beeran, IUML’s Rajya Sabha member, moved the Supreme Court. The IUML is the first party in Kerala to move against the SIR in Supreme Court.

Mr. Kunhalikutty said the ECI was “behaving despotically by ignoring the demands of all parties except the BJP.”

“SIR is not something that should be done in haste. Instead of doing the revision transparently, systematically and carefully, the Election Commission is doing it in haste,” said Mr. Kunhalikutty.

‘Ulterior motive’

He said the ECI’s “haste” underscores the complaints raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi about the election process in Bihar. “The BJP and the Election Commission have a hidden motive. That is why they are showing an undue haste,” he said.

The IUML leader said that “if those in power behave unjustly, the people will have no choice but to approach the Supreme Court for justice.”

IUML Kerala State president Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal said the SIR had brought a complex tangle for the people as well as officials. “People are confused and agitated. The Election Commission has the responsibility to dispel people’s fears,” said Mr. Thangal.

He alleged that the ECI was “party to a scheme that scuttled” the elections in Bihar. “Any independent observer will understand the motives of the Election Commission.”

Mr. Thangal said people should be given more time for SIR as it requires submission of various documents. “SIR should be stopped in Kerala. And people should be given more time,” he said.