Women Congress Workers Join Demonstration Led by Minakshi Bahinipati Over Electoral Roll Revision
GTNS
SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 , BHUBANESWAR: Political opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls reached the office of Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer in Bhubaneswar on Friday, as Congress workers staged a demonstration over issues concerning the Election Commission of India and the electoral-roll process.
The protest saw participation from the Odisha Pradesh Mahila Congress, with state Mahila Congress president Minakshi Bahinipati leading women party workers during the demonstration.
Congress leaders and workers raised questions about the manner in which the electoral-roll revision exercise is being conducted. They demanded greater clarity and transparency in the process and voiced concerns over the possible impact of roll-related changes on voters.
The demonstration also focused on the functioning of the Election Commission and its handling of electoral matters. Congress protesters raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar while demanding accountability from the poll authorities.
The SIR exercise has emerged as a major political issue, with the Congress opposing aspects of the revision process and seeking greater safeguards for voters. The party has also been demanding action against the Chief Election Commissioner, while the Election Commission remains the constitutional authority responsible for conducting elections and maintaining electoral rolls.
The Bhubaneswar protest brought the national SIR debate to the state level, with Congress workers using the CEO office as the venue to register their objections.
The latest demonstration is part of the continuing political debate over electoral-roll revision, voter verification and the functioning of the Election Commission.
GTNS
SEPTEMBER 25, 2026