New Delhi, October 11 (Daily Kiran) : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly countered allegations made by the Congress party regarding voter fraud, following protests in New Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Bihar BJP Vice President Hari Bhushan Thakur stated that the issues raised by Congress are unfounded. He emphasized that the Election Commission has the constitutional authority to conduct the Special Investigation Report (SIR), particularly targeting deceased or duplicate voters.
Thakur remarked, “The matter Congress is protesting over is not an issue at all. Over a hundred former IAS and IFS officers have written an open letter supporting the Election Commission and the SIR process, detailing the true state of affairs.” He recalled that prior to 1989, booth capturing was so rampant that it had to be criminalized.
He criticized Congress for questioning the integrity of election commissioners, pointing out that many of these officials were later appointed to significant roles during Congress’s time in power. “The Election Commission is a constitutional body, and conducting SIRs falls within its jurisdiction. Prominent Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have previously acknowledged the existence of millions of fake voters in various states,” Thakur added.
As the Election Commission proceeds with the SIR, Thakur questioned why Congress is disturbed, noting that the names being removed are those of deceased individuals, long-term migrants, or duplicates. He further explained that approximately 35 lakh individuals are involved in the SIR process, including about 9 lakh government Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and representatives from political parties. The entire process spans 60 days, allowing ample time for objections during the draft publication phase.
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria commented on the protests, stating that while political opinions should be respected, attempts to disrupt law and order are counterproductive. He urged dialogue as a means to resolve issues, cautioning that escalating tensions could ultimately harm the public and the political parties involved.
BJP MP Naresh Bansal accused Congress and other opposition parties, including the Left and Aam Aadmi Party, of seeking publicity at the cost of national stability. He alleged that they are working with foreign entities to undermine the country’s economy.
Regarding the Supreme Court‘s order on the protests, Bansal affirmed that while peaceful demonstrations are a democratic right, chaos and disorder cannot be tolerated. He reiterated that police are tasked with maintaining public order and will take necessary actions to ensure peace.
Leave a Comment