INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 16TH JULY 2025

Summary of Important News Items and Editorials-38

INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 16TH JULY 2025.

1.     BJP Ally TDP to EC: Define SIR Scope, No Citizenship Link

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a major NDA constituent, has formally urged the Election Commission to clarify that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is unrelated to citizenship verification. The party stressed the principle of “presumption of inclusion” for enrolled voters and demanded a clear directive to prevent misuse or arbitrary deletions. TDP cited a Supreme Court ruling affirming that deletion of names must follow due inquiry, and the burden of proof lies on authorities. Additionally, the party suggested a third-party audit under CAG, district-wise data publication, and targeted enrolment campaigns for migrants and vulnerable groups. Their appeal comes amidst growing concerns in poll-bound Bihar about disenfranchisement. Congress and RJD supported TDP’s stance, criticizing the EC’s process as opaque and constitutionally suspect. The move by TDP, despite being an NDA ally, reflects growing intra-coalition wariness regarding transparency in electoral practices.

2.     Jaishankar Meets Xi Jinping: SCO Must Combat Terrorism, Separatism