Bhubaneswar, Oct 6: The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing the Supreme Court’s clarification that it had not approved modifications made to Form 6 during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Addressing a press conference at Sankha Bhawan, BJD general secretary Lekhashree Samantsinghar and media coordinator Lenin Mohanty criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the issue. They alleged that an ECI communication dated September 26 had suggested that the changes to Form 6 had the Supreme Court’s approval. The apex court, however, clarified on Monday that it had not approved any modified version of the form and said it would examine who authorised the changes.

The BJD leaders also said the Supreme Court had issued notices to the Centre and the ECI in connection with the matter. Samantsinghar claimed that around 13 crore voters had been excluded from electoral rolls across the country during the SIR exercise, including approximately 27.5 lakh names in Odisha. These figures were presented by the BJD as allegations concerning the revision process.

She further alleged that voter names were removed through the ECI’s digital systems and accused the poll panel of favouring the BJP. The allegations have not been established by the court.

Mohanty alleged that the ECI’s earlier clarification was inconsistent with the Supreme Court’s observations and reiterated the party’s demand for Kumar’s resignation.

The BJD leaders also repeated their allegations of EVM manipulation during the 2024 elections, without presenting new evidence, and reiterated party president Naveen Patnaik’s demand for the CEC’s resignation.

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