Naveen Demands CEC Resignation, Review of SIR Process .

Bhubaneswar,25/09(PPT): Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), citing reported differences among Election Commissioners, and called for a thorough review of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Patnaik said the reported differences within the Election Commission warranted the CEC’s resignation and a fresh review of the SIR exercise. The BJD, he said, had opposed the process from the beginning.

His remarks came after a report in The Indian Express said Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections over discrepancies in the SIR process.

On the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment, Patnaik questioned the BJP’s position, pointing out that 20 BJP MPs from Odisha had supported the legislation in Parliament.

He said the BJD would raise the issue with the state government and seek a review, claiming the amendment could cause significant revenue loss to Odisha. Patnaik has also urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to convene a special Assembly session and pass a unanimous resolution seeking repeal of the amendment.