Ex-CEC Backs National Citizenship Register amid SIR Row

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Krishnamurthy also expressed concern about illegal immigrants potentially entering India’s democratic process through fake documentation.

By TRH Political Desk

New Delhi, October 30, 2025 — Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) T.S. Krishnamurthy has called for a national citizenship registry, emphasizing that Aadhaar cannot serve as proof of citizenship, even though it is a valid form of identity verification.

Speaking to TV18, Krishnamurthy reflected on his tenure during the 2003 intensive electoral roll revision, noting that state governments had broadly supported the cleanup effort. “Most states wanted this to be done because they alleged there were mistakes in the voter register — and there were,” he said.

He described electoral rolls as a “streaming river”—constantly changing with inclusions and deletions. “Some mistakes will always exist due to human error, but we cannot stop a constitutional institution from functioning,” he added.

Addressing the ongoing debate on the use of Aadhaar for voter verification, Krishnamurthy said: “Aadhaar is an identity proof, but not proof of citizenship. Even non-citizens can obtain Aadhaar cards.”

He revealed that during his time at the Election Commission, he had recommended to the Home Ministry the creation of a national citizenship card distinct from Aadhaar. “It’s an important requirement to ensure that citizens play their role and non-citizens don’t interfere with the electoral process,” he said.

Krishnamurthy also expressed concern about illegal immigrants potentially entering India’s democratic process through fake documentation. He referred to his recent book, “Beyond the Ballot: The Paradoxes of Democracy,” which includes a chapter on external interventions in electoral systems.

“Every country faces the challenge of both legal and illegal immigration,” he said, adding: “But the Election Commission’s duty is clear — only the citizens of India are entitled to vote.”

He concluded that periodic citizenship verification should be institutionalized, possibly through a dedicated national or state-level mechanism, to preserve the sanctity of India’s democracy.