South Central South Central 40 | Election Commission's Credibility Crisis & The Nun Who Took Bishop Franco to Court
Aug 22, 2025
Supriya Sharma, Executive Editor of Scroll and investigative journalist, discusses the Election Commission's credibility crisis, detailing allegations of mishandled voter registration and public trust erosion. Nidhi Suresh, a journalist known for her sensitive storytelling, shares insights into the emotional trial of Bishop Franco Mulakkal, the first of its kind in India, focusing on the nun who bravely accused him. Together, they explore pressing electoral issues and the fight for justice within the church, shedding light on broader societal impacts.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
SIR Risks Mass Disenfranchisement
- The Election Commission's rapid SIR in Bihar risks mass disenfranchisement because many voters lack documentation and awareness.
- Early data shows women and large numbers of voters are disproportionately excluded from the draft roll.
Women Face Higher Exclusion Rates
- Scroll's analysis found 55% of excluded voters in the draft list are women and exclusion often results from bureaucratic hurdles.
- Women who move after marriage or lack documentation face higher barriers to stay on the rolls.
Surface Data Can Mislead On Religion
- Initial constituency-level data suggested Muslim-heavy areas saw high exclusions, but further analysis showed Hindus were often overrepresented among exclusions.
- Misleading surface patterns make ground verification essential.
