Singer Job Kurian has voiced his support for the ongoing protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, calling for greater accountability from the Election Commission of India and urging citizens to stand up for democracy.

In a strongly worded social media post, the singer criticised blind loyalty to political parties, the use of religion in politics and practices that he believes distract from the problems faced by ordinary people. He also questioned the actions of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and said he should step down.

“As Indians of this modern era, we should be broad-minded enough to understand that blind loyalty and admiration towards any political party or leader can be dangerous to the progress of our nation,” Job wrote.

He warned that unquestioning support for political leaders could damage the country and stressed the importance of holding those in power accountable. “We should realise that they are here to govern us, not to rule over us,” he said, adding that governments must remain answerable to the people.

The singer underlined the importance of protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that every citizen's vote is respected. He also criticised the use of religion as a political tool and called for unity among citizens.

“Bringing religion into politics is a very primitive and divisive approach. We must reject such divisive ideologies and stand united as citizens of one nation,” he wrote.

Job also questioned the Election Commission's credibility, stating that if the institution had lost public trust, it needed to be held accountable and its credibility restored.

“The ECI must remain neutral and independent, free from the influence of any government. I have serious concerns about Gyanesh Kumar's actions, and I believe he must step down,” he said.

He further argued that issues such as spreading religious hatred, blaming previous leaders, renaming places, imposing languages and introducing food bans did little to improve ordinary people's lives. According to the singer, such practices divert attention from more pressing concerns.

“Questioning the government is not being anti-national, and cruelty towards citizens by the government can never be justified,” he added.

Job also urged people to reflect on their own actions instead of simply blaming others, writing, “Every individual's thoughts and actions matter. Collectively, they shape the nation we build.”

In the caption accompanying his post, the singer expressed solidarity with those protesting against SIR, as well as opposition parties and organisations opposing the exercise. He concluded with the message: “Save Democracy. Save the Nation. Jai Hind!”

What is the SIR controversy?

The Special Intensive Revision is an Election Commission exercise to review and update electoral rolls. The current process has triggered protests from opposition parties and groups, who have raised concerns about alleged irregularities and the removal of eligible voters' names.

The Election Commission has maintained that the exercise is intended to clean up voter lists and that people whose names are missing can seek re-enrolment.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and allied groups have organised demonstrations in several cities, demanding accountability from the Election Commission and the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. Protests have also taken place in Bengaluru, where demonstrators raised concerns about SIR and called for electoral safeguards.