Punjab SIR: EC Refutes Reports Of Patiala MP, Family's Name Missing From Draft Roll; Congress Leader Flags Complexity

Punjab SIR: Amid the ongoing row over allegations of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, Congress MP Dharamvir Gandhi has also alleged that his name, along with the other family members, was removed from the Punjab draft electoral roll. While the Election Commission later clarified that Gandhi's name has been added to the voters list, the Patiala MP raised question on the alleged complexity in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Gandhi Part Of Draft Electoral Roll: EC

While refuting such reports, the Election Commission stated that Gandhi's family is "very much" part of the draft electoral roll. "Dr Dharamvir Gandhi, Member of Parliament, as well as his family members, wife Jagdamba Kaushal, daughter Rohani Prashar, daughter-in-law Chahat Sahuja, and son Nabendhu, are very much a part of the Draft Electoral Roll published on 13th August 2026. They are registered as electors in AC No 115 – Patiala, Part No 98, at Serial numbers 44 to 48," the polling said in its statement.

The Election Commission issues a statement on reports that the names of Patiala MP Dr Dharamveer Gandhi and his family members are missing from the state's draft electoral roll published on 13 August 2026.

"Dr Dharamvir Gandhi, Member of Parliament, as well as his family…

— ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2026

Gandhi Questions SIR Process

While talking to the reporters, the Congress MP stated that records dating back to 1974 and 1978 were presented to the administration to ensure addition of name of one of his family member. He further alleged that the revision process is not people friendly, adding that the common people are struggling to protect their voting rights.

ALSO READ: Will Raghav Chadha Lose Rajya Sabha Membership If His Name Is Not Included In Punjab SIR Final List? What Rules Say

"The issue is not merely about their votes, but about the entire process of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). He said that such a process should be simple and transparent so that ordinary citizens do not face unnecessary difficulties or have to make repeated trips to government offices," Gandhi stated.

Patiala, Punjab: After the Election Commission claimed that the votes of Patiala MP Dr. Dharamvir Gandhi and his family members had not been deleted from the electoral roll and that their names remain on the list.

Congress MP Dharamvira Gandhi says, "The issue is not merely… pic.twitter.com/MvloZfnlcb

— IANS (@ians_india) September 4, 2026

"If someone like me and my family can face such difficulties in gathering old documents, it is easy to imagine how challenging this process could be for an ordinary citizen," the Congress MP added.

Row Over Draft Electoral Roll

A massive political row erupted in Punjab after Raghav Chadha alleged that his name was missing from the list and was categorized under the shifted category. However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged that the BJP leader had intended to shift his name to Delhi, adding that state government has no role in the revision process.

ALSO READ: Raghav Chadha Marked 'Shifted' In Punjab Voter Roll; BJP MP Alleges Vendetta, AAP Hits Back