Sambit Patra Counters Rahul Gandhi Over Form 6 and SIR

New Delhi, October 06, 2026

The political dispute over Form 6 and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has intensified after Rahul Gandhi questioned the changes made to the form and alleged that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar had acted illegally to benefit the BJP. Responding to the allegation, BJP leader Sambit Patra said Gandhi’s interpretation of the Election Commission’s clarification and the Supreme Court proceedings was misleading.

Speaking at a press conference, Patra said Rahul Gandhi had referred to the Election Commission’s September 26, 2026, Press Note No. 120 and alleged that Form 6 had been made illegal. Patra quoted Gandhi’s post: "It is now established beyond doubt that Gyanesh Kumar changed Form 6 illegally and unilaterally. This is just one more proof of him abusing his position to help the BJP." Patra argued that the Election Commission’s clarification specifically concerned the declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR. He quoted the EC’s statement: "The declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR has been upheld by the honorable Supreme Court."

Patra further referred to the Supreme Court proceedings and said Form 6 itself had not been declared illegal. He quoted Chief Justice Surya Kant: "Any modified Form 6 has not been approved by us. Let's be clear." Patra said the Election Commission had clarified that the Supreme Court had upheld the declaration attached to Form 6, rather than approving a modified version of the form. He also cited the Supreme Court’s May 27, 2026 judgment, which, according to Patra, recognised the Election Commission’s authority to establish an appropriate documentation framework for SIR. He referred to paragraph 161, which states: "documentation regime prescribed by the commission represents a considered exercise of its administrative discretion"

Patra also rejected Rahul Gandhi’s claim that the decision was not unanimous. Referring to the Election Commission’s fact-check, he said: "The order of SIR in Bihar issued on 24th June 25 was issued with unanimous approval of the commission. This order has been upheld by the honorable Supreme Court in its judgement dated 27th May 2026." He also dismissed claims that the Election Commission’s September 26, 2026, Press Note No. 120 had been withdrawn, saying the document was still available on the EC’s website.

The BJP leader ended by arguing that constitutional institutions should not be presented inaccurately in a manner that could create confusion or rumours. The controversy therefore continues to revolve around the interpretation of Form 6, the declaration attached to it, and the Election Commission’s authority in implementing the SIR process.