New Delhi, July 30 -- Union Minister Prahlad Joshi on Wednesday defended the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) being conducted by the Election Commission (EC), stating that such exercises are not unprecedented and have been conducted in the past as well.

His remarks come amid political criticism and concerns raised by opposition parties over the timing and transparency of the process.

Addressing reporters, Joshi said, "SIR is not happening for the first time. It happened in 2003 as well. It has happened many times."

He added that the process is being conducted "scientifically" and that the Opposition should not be "afraid" of the process.

Joshi said, "The Election Commission is an independent institution. The Election Commissio...