By Matters India Reporter
NEW DELHI, October 7, 2026: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India on Tuesday warned against disenfranchisement amid reports of irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The bishops said they were “shocked and deeply concerned” by findings published in The Indian Express and demanded that no valid voter lose their constitutional right to cast a ballot. “Disenfranchisement must never become a ‘new normal,’ as such a trajectory represents a highly dangerous trend for our democracy,” the statement read.
The CBCI urged the Election Commission to conduct the revision process in a free, fair and transparent manner, stressing that the credibility of India’s democracy rests on public trust in electoral institutions.
“It is the ultimate responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure that public trust in our electoral institutions remains unshaken, and that every eligible citizen’s voice is safeguarded,” the bishops said.
The conference also expressed solidarity with citizens peacefully protesting for voter rights, while appealing for demonstrations to remain nonviolent. “We earnestly request all protestors to strictly refrain from any form of violence and to maintain the absolute peaceful nature of their demonstrations,” the statement added.
The bishops concluded with a call for prayer during what they described as “difficult times” for the nation.
(Photo: UN Women Asia and the Pacific)