Clyde Crasto Criticizes Government Over Removal of 13 Crore Names from Voter List

Mumbai, October 12 (Daily Kiran) : Spokesperson Clyde Crasto of the NCP-SP has sharply criticized the central government regarding the removal of 13 crore names from the voter list. Speaking in Mumbai, he questioned why the government is obstructing peaceful protests and the demands for fundamental rights from various groups, including the CJP and the India alliance.

Crasto stated, “What is the BJP government afraid of? The people of India are raising legitimate questions about the removal of these names. Even if the ‘Cockroach People Party’ is protesting peacefully, why is the government stopping them? It seems they are trying to silence everyone, including the CJP and ordinary citizens.”

He emphasized that the government owes the public an explanation. “Peaceful protests should be allowed as they are a fundamental right. We are demanding our right to vote. Why are names being removed? What is the BJP government afraid of?” he asked.

Highlighting the issue, Crasto pointed out that citizens are directly questioning the removal of their names. If the CJP is protesting peacefully, he questioned why the government is preventing them from voicing their concerns.

He further criticized the government’s actions, saying, “If the India bloc is protesting and asking questions, why are they being stopped? Trains to Delhi are being halted, and the metro is shut down. This behavior from the government raises serious questions. They should allow peaceful protesters to respond to the opposition’s inquiries. The opposition has sought permission to meet with Gyan Prakash, but that has not been granted.”

Crasto insisted that the BJP-led government must answer why 13 crore names were removed and why they are protecting Gyan Prakash. He echoed Rahul Gandhi‘s sentiments, questioning why the youth are being targeted. “Initially, names were removed from the lists, and now the new generation, Gen Z, is asking questions. The government seems unwilling to include them,” he said.

He accused the BJP of recognizing that the younger generation does not support them, leading to fears over missing names on the voter list. “The BJP government is directing the Delhi police, and there are recorded instances of RSS members attacking women. Why is there no action against them, while selective action is taken against those demanding their fundamental rights?” he asked.

Crasto condemned the treatment of peaceful protesters, asserting that the government should treat all citizens equally, regardless of their political affiliations. “It is unfair to distinguish between those who support them and those who do not,” he stated.

He reiterated the core issue behind the protests: the removal of 13 crore names from the electoral rolls. “These names should be reinstated as they belong to voters. Gyanesh Kumar has not been willing to meet with the opposition. Why is the BJP protecting him? Until we receive answers and our fundamental rights are restored, our peaceful protests will continue,” he concluded.

NCP-SP spokesperson Faizan Mirza added that Kirit Somaiya initiated a campaign in January 2025, alleging the presence of bogus voters, including Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, within the Muslim community. He argued that this campaign aimed to instill fear among the majority population, suggesting that if these bogus voters continued to vote, it would lead to the emergence of Muslim leadership in the country. Mirza held Somaiya accountable for spreading such fears.