Opposition Criticizes Central Government Over Voter Rights and Protest Restrictions
Opposition leaders accuse the government of undermining voter rights and stifling protests, demanding accountability from the Chief Election Commissioner.
New Delhi, October 17 (Daily Kiran) : Leaders from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Samajwadi Party (SP), and Congress have launched a scathing attack on the central government, accusing it of undermining voter rights through the SIR (Systematic Identification of Rights) process. Clyde Crasto, the national spokesperson for NCP (SP), claimed that the government is manipulating the SIR process to influence public voting rights. Meanwhile, Rakesh Sinha, media in-charge for Congress in Jharkhand, called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, asserting that democracy is greater than any individual.
Speaking in Mumbai, Crasto noted the growing public discontent regarding the SIR process, which has led many to take to the streets to demand their rights. He emphasized that citizens are protesting peacefully, yet the administration is attempting to suppress these demonstrations. “Why are citizens being prevented from expressing their rights?” he questioned.
Crasto also mentioned that the opposition seeks to meet with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, but has been denied the opportunity. He warned that such a situation could further escalate public anger.
The NCP SP spokesperson alleged that protesters are being coerced into signing bonds before being arrested for participating in demonstrations. “The government is trying to silence the people’s voices to prevent them from speaking out against alleged wrongdoings,” he stated.
He affirmed that peaceful protests are a constitutional right of citizens, and the opposition will continue to exercise this right. Supporting Rahul Gandhi, Crasto pointed out that Gandhi is raising public issues, which has led to continuous criticism from the BJP. He accused the government of trying to stifle even peaceful demonstrations by the opposition.
In Ranchi, Rakesh Sinha echoed these sentiments, asserting that movements should not be judged solely on their success or failure, as they reflect public sentiment and national thought. He reiterated the demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Sinha questioned why the central government has not yet sought Kumar’s resignation, emphasizing that democracy transcends any single individual. Regarding the protests by traders, he acknowledged their stance but insisted that the broader goal is to strengthen democracy in the country.
He further accused the central government of creating a climate of fear due to its own mistakes, which has resulted in the arrest of protesters. “The government is afraid of farmers, youth, and opposition MPs,” Sinha concluded.
