New Delhi, September 22 (Daily Kiran) : Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has drawn a striking comparison between the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of voter lists and the Jim Crow laws of the United States. Speaking on Tuesday, he described the SIR process as exclusionary, following the issuance of notices to over 3.1 million voters in Delhi.
In an exclusive interview, Chidambaram stated, “The SIR process initiated by the Election Commission of India is akin to the Jim Crow laws in America during segregation. It is a process of exclusion, not inclusion.” The Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation in the southern United States from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century, aimed to deny African Americans equal rights and opportunities.
Chidambaram acknowledged that voter lists should not include individuals who have moved away or are deceased. However, he emphasized that the current process goes far beyond this necessity, aiming to disenfranchise many eligible voters. He pointed out the burdensome responsibilities placed on current residents who had voted in previous elections, as evidenced by the notices being received by individuals in Delhi.
He highlighted the notices sent to prominent figures, including senior advocate Kapil Sibal, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, as indicative of systemic flaws in the process. “If people who reside in the same constituency and voted in the last election are receiving notices, imagine how others without a voice are being treated,” he remarked.
Chidambaram called for a complete overhaul of the SIR process, urging the Election Commission to become more transparent and voter-friendly. He stressed, “It is essential to ensure that no eligible voter is left disenfranchised.”
Additionally, he discussed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Students’ Voice’ initiative, describing it as a platform for youth to express their concerns. He praised the effort as a positive step for empowering young voices.
Amidst ongoing political controversies, Chidambaram defended Gandhi following a recent incident in Indore where a comedian mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an event. He remarked, “Satire is part of political discourse. Hasn’t the BJP used satire against other political leaders? If Saturday Night Live existed in India, the BJP would probably arrest everyone involved and ban the entire show.”
Chidambaram expressed enthusiasm for the ‘Students’ Voice’ program, stating that it would be warmly welcomed if held in Tamil Nadu. He also dismissed questions raised by the BJP regarding Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s name on the 1980 voter list, labeling it an “absurd conspiracy theory.”
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