<h1>Union Minister Defends Election Roll Revision, Denies Politicization and Harassment Claims Under Section SIR</h1> A Union Minister clarified that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is conducted solely by the Election Commission, not the central government, and accused certain opposition parties of politicizing the process. The minister emphasized that the SIR aims to verify genuine citizens and remove deceased or ineligible voters, noting the availability of multiple methods to prove citizenship. Allegations of harassment against Bengali-speaking migrants in certain states were denied, with assurances that verified citizens face no ill treatment. The minister also dismissed claims of fund diversion related to a rural employment scheme, stating the matter is under judicial consideration. Criticism from opposition leaders was rejected as politically motivated, and the minister called for enhanced cooperation between central and state governments to improve fishery sector productivity.