Karti Chidambaram Raises Concerns Over Election Commissions Functioning
Karti Chidambaram questions the Election Commissions processes, emphasizing the need for transparency and inclusivity in voter registration.
New Delhi, September 28 (Daily Kiran) : Congress MP Karti Chidambaram has voiced serious concerns regarding the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and its Special Intensive Review (SIR) process. He stated that merely organizing photo opportunities or superficial events will not alleviate public worries about the Commission’s operations. The design and implementation of the SIR have raised numerous questions.
In an interview, Chidambaram pointed out that the concerns regarding the SIR are not only being raised by civil society and political parties but also from within the Election Commission itself. This issue represents a broader concern that cannot be overlooked.
Chidambaram emphasized that the process for inclusion in the voter list should be inclusive. He argued that every Indian citizen over the age of 18, residing in the relevant constituency, should have the right to register as a voter.
He accused the current SIR process of appearing to work against the inclusion of people in the voter list. This, he noted, makes it increasingly difficult for first-time voters, particularly young people, to register.
Moreover, he alleged that workers from political parties, especially those associated with the ruling party, are filing numerous objections or appeals in a single constituency. This raises the risk of disenfranchising certain groups of voters.
Chidambaram also questioned the communication and accountability of the Election Commission. He noted that if the entire process is consensual, then why have 14 emails gone unanswered? He expressed confidence that there are officials within the Commission who feel uneasy about the current procedures.
Responding to statements made by Union Minister J.P. Nadda regarding the Congress’s concerns about the SIR, Chidambaram asserted that the critique of the Election Commission is not exclusive to Congress. He pointed out that even BJP’s allies in Bihar have sought clarity on the process. If questions arise from allies, civil society, and citizens, they cannot simply be dismissed as opposition politics.
He referenced editorials published in major newspapers that have questioned the Election Commission’s functioning, asking if the BJP believes all these publications are incorrect.
Chidambaram stressed the need to understand the data emerging from the Election Commission. He reiterated that the issue is too significant to be ignored by simply attributing blame to Congress.
He remarked that it is inaccurate to claim that only opposition parties are raising concerns, especially in light of inquiries from BJP’s allies in Bihar.
“This is a widespread issue. Civil society is worried, citizens are concerned, and all political parties, except the BJP, share these concerns,” he asserted, underscoring the importance of addressing the matter.
Regarding the Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene in a case related to imposing charges on UPI transactions, Chidambaram remarked that it is a standard judicial process. He expressed surprise if the Supreme Court were to intervene in such matters. However, he did predict that the government might eventually impose charges on UPI, which could lead to fees on other types of transactions as well.
Looking ahead to the meeting of the Indi Alliance leaders on September 30, Chidambaram mentioned that representatives from all political parties would participate and openly discuss various issues. He expressed hope that all parties are aware of the political and social contexts, as well as public concerns, and will engage responsibly in discussions.
He concluded that the coming together of all political parties is a positive development. He reiterated that concerns about the Election Commission are not limited to opposition parties but are also being raised by BJP’s allies.
Chidambaram highlighted the need for public trust in the electoral body for a strong and functional democracy. If the institution responsible for conducting elections is itself under scrutiny, it is natural for concerns about the democratic system to arise.
