Former Election Chief Criticizes Voter Disenfranchisement Amid Controversy Over Special Intensive Review
Former Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat highlights voter disenfranchisement issues linked to the Special Intensive Review process.
Bhopal, September 27 (Daily Kiran) : Former Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat has voiced strong concerns regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Review (SIR) process. Speaking to the media in Bhopal, Rawat emphasized that this issue is not politically motivated. Instead, he highlighted the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens and the critical questions surrounding their voting rights.
Rawat pointed out that citizens from Bihar to other regions have encountered numerous challenges due to the SIR process, resulting in many being deprived of their right to vote. He referenced a recent decision from West Bengal, which underscores the significant number of individuals who have lost their voting rights.
“What could be more shameful for any democracy than preventing people from voting due to procedural issues?” Rawat stated.
He further explained that the Election Commission makes decisions based on consensus or majority. In cases where the majority aligns with one side, the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, cannot unilaterally make decisions. According to Rawat, the decisions of other commission members also hold validity in such scenarios.
In a related development, Congress legislator Ameen Patel in Mumbai leveled serious allegations against the Election Commission concerning the SIR. Patel accused the commission of attempting to conceal crucial information regarding the issue.
He called for the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, asserting that removing names from the voter list under the SIR constitutes a direct assault on the Constitution. Patel stressed that this matter transcends party lines, affecting the entire nation.
Additionally, Patel urged the Maharashtra government to announce an immediate relief package in response to the ongoing drought situation. He insisted that mere announcements are insufficient and that it is vital to ensure that aid reaches the affected farmers. Patel also raised concerns about farmer suicides in Maharashtra, calling for urgent assistance in drought-stricken areas.
