Opposition parties have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over reported objections within the Election Commission on the special intensive revision of voter lists. The ECI has said its final decisions were unanimous.

According to reports, opposition leaders alleged that internal differences over the SIR process had undermined the poll body’s credibility. NDA ally Ramdas Athawale said Kumar should not resign under opposition pressure.

India bloc parties are likely to meet in Delhi on 30 September to discuss the controversy, according to reports. Leaders including Mamata Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi are expected to attend.

The row has intensified the political battle over voter list revisions ahead of upcoming elections. The ECI has maintained that its processes are transparent and its decisions collective.

The SIR exercise has been politically contentious in several states going to the polls. The 30 September meeting is expected to set the opposition’s joint strategy on the issue.