BJP Criticizes Opposition Over SIR Process, Ashok Gehlot Warns of Threat to Democracy
BJP leaders defend the SIR process, while Congress warns it threatens democracy. Ashok Gehlot and others voice strong concerns.
New Delhi, September 28 (Daily Kiran) : The ongoing debate over the SIR (State Identification Register) process has intensified as opposition leaders voice their concerns. BJP leaders have responded firmly, emphasizing the necessity of the initiative for national security.
Santosh Pandey, a BJP MP from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, stated, “The SIR is crucial for the country. Shouldn’t we be removing infiltrators? Is it right to allow Bangladeshis and Rohingyas to reside here? Opposing this initiative is misguided. If someone from Delhi now lives in Mumbai, shouldn’t their name be included in the voter list?”
In response to the opposition’s criticism of the Election Commission regarding the SIR, Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar remarked, “Before 2014, the voter lists were manipulated, allowing Congress to win elections. Rahul Gandhi claims that their electoral losses stem from the SIR and voter list issues. Yet, Congress failed to win elections in West Bengal and many other states for years before BJP came to power, and they remained silent then.”
Congress leader Ashok Gehlot expressed his discontent with the Election Commission’s approach. He recalled Rahul Gandhi’s warning from a year and a half ago, stating, “The SIR and vote manipulation could destroy our democracy. What will remain of democracy if this continues?”
Udit Raj, also from Congress, supported Gandhi’s stance, asserting, “It’s true that votes are being removed through the SIR, and EVMs are misused. When 3.8 million voters in Bengal alone are removed from the list, what is there to fear? They can act with impunity because they are not elected by the people.”
Danam Nagendra, another Congress leader, highlighted the global awareness of what he termed a conspiracy surrounding the SIR. “Voting is a fundamental right in India, and the Election Commission has no authority to strip anyone of that right. Since Rahul Gandhi launched his campaign against the SIR, voices against it have emerged worldwide, regardless of political ideologies.”
Dipankar Bhattacharya, the national general secretary of CPI(ML), insisted, “The SIR must be halted immediately. The 130 million voters removed should be reinstated, and Gyanesh Kumar must resign. We hope for a decision by the 30th. All anti-BJP parties and civil society members will unite to start a significant national movement until Gyanesh Kumar steps down.”
Tensions continue to rise as the political landscape shifts, with both parties gearing up for what could be a pivotal moment for India’s democracy.
