The Hindu: Published on 11th December 2025.
Why in News?
During a discussion on electoral reforms in the Lok Sabha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that the government will “detect, delete, and deport” illegal immigrants. His statement triggered a sharp exchange with the Opposition, leading to a walkout. Rahul Gandhi questioned the immunity granted to Election Commissioners (ECs) under the 2023 law.
Background:
The Election Commission announced a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in June.
The Opposition claims that the SIR lacks transparency and may be misused.
In 2023, a new law was passed regarding the appointment of the CEC and ECs, granting them immunity from prosecution.
Rahul Gandhi questioned this immunity on Day 1 of the debate.
Key Issues:
A. Illegal Immigrants
Shah emphasized the NDA government’s motto: “Detect, Delete, Deport.”
He accused the Opposition of wanting infiltrators’ names in voter rolls.
B. The “Vote Theft” Clash
Rahul Gandhi accused the government of “vote theft.”
Shah retorted that “some families are generational vote thieves.”
C. Immunity to Election Commissioners
Gandhi asked why ECs were given immunity under the 2023 law.
Shah said he would answer all questions but would not allow the Opposition to dictate the order of his speech.
D. Opposition Walkout
The Opposition accused Shah of avoiding answers.
Shah responded: “Even if they walk out 200 times, not a single infiltrator will be allowed to remain.”
Fact-Check Pointers:
Shah noted that the first SIR was conducted in 1952 under Nehru, not a new practice.
From 2014 onwards, BJP has lost 44 elections and won only 30, indicating they don’t blame EC even when losing.
Article 326 of the Constitution mandates the EC to prepare clean and accurate electoral rolls.
Impact:
A. Political Impact
The debate intensifies polarization over election reforms.
The Opposition may frame the issue as one of democratic institutions and electoral integrity.
B. Social Impact:
The “illegal immigrants” issue is extremely sensitive in states like Assam, West Bengal, and the Northeast.
Debates on citizenship and voter identity are likely to escalate.
C. Administrative Impact:
SIR may become stricter and more scrutinized.
Allegations about EC’s neutrality may increase.
Possible Future Developments:
Government may accelerate measures to identify and remove illegal immigrants.
Opposition likely to raise EC immunity issue in Parliament and possibly in courts.
Election reforms may become a major political battleground ahead of future polls.
There could be demands for a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to examine the SIR process.
Conclusion:
