Rajasthan's political landscape is currently gripped by a major controversy surrounding the Special Electoral Roll Revision (SIR). Leaders from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress are engaged in a heated exchange of accusations, intensifying the political atmosphere across the state. Each party presents its own arguments and concerns regarding this crucial electoral process, which are being vocally expressed in public forums.
BJP's Allegation: Congress Fears Exposure of 'Fake Voters'
Former BJP state president Ashok Parnami launched a direct attack on the Congress, stating that the party is afraid of the SIR process. According to Parnami, Congress fears that this revision process will expose voters who were illegally added to the electoral rolls. He metaphorically described this apprehension as Congress's 'torn vest' being revealed, implying that their hidden secrets would come to light. Parnami's statement raises questions about Congress's strategies and alleged irregularities in the voter lists, making the issue even more sensitive and contentious.
Protecting Democracy: Removing Ineligible Voters is Crucial
Parnami emphasized that Congress is hesitant because the SIR process will remove the names of Bangladeshi, Rohingya, and other foreign infiltrators from the voter lists. He claimed that this includes Pakistani infiltrators who were allegedly provided voter IDs during previous Congress governments. According to the BJP leader, these individuals consistently vote for Congress, and their removal through SIR would Notably harm the party's electoral prospects. Parnami stressed the critical importance of removing such ineligible voters to safeguard the purity and integrity of democracy. This step, he argued, is essential for ensuring fair and unbiased elections.
The Bihar Precedent: 75 Lakh Voters Removed
To bolster his argument, Ashok Parnami cited the example of Bihar,. Where 75 lakh voters were removed during a similar SIR process. He questioned what would have happened if these voters had not been removed, suggesting that outsiders would have influenced the election of the Bihar government, which he deemed an incorrect democratic outcome. Parnami asked whether outsiders should have the right to elect a government in a democracy. He asserted that SIR would rectify such irregularities and ensure that elections remain fair and transparent. This example highlights how the purification of voter lists is crucial for the credibility of the electoral process.
Congress's Counter-Attack: Government Blamed for BLO Deaths and Pressure
On the other hand, Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra has declared the SIR process dangerous for common people. He expressed deep concern over more than 10 deaths reported across several states during this process, calling them tragic, while dotasra stated that these incidents are spreading fear and uncertainty among the general public. He alleged that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are being subjected. To immense pressure, leading to the devastation of their families. The Congress's stance accuses the government of disregarding the human aspect of the electoral process.
Tragic Incidents Involving BLOs in Rajasthan
Dotasra specifically highlighted two tragic incidents in Rajasthan, while he mentioned the suicide of Mukesh Jangid, a BLO in Jaipur, and the death of Hariom Bairwa in Sawai Madhopur, stating that these events have deeply shaken everyone. The Congress president accused the BJP government of exerting unbearable pressure, issuing threats of suspension, and adopting a dictatorial attitude towards BLOs, causing them immense mental distress. He noted that the families of the deceased have made serious allegations against the government system, but the government is dismissing these deaths as 'natural,' which Dotasra condemned as highly regrettable.
Demands for Transparency and Justice
Govind Singh Dotasra questioned why the government is putting so much pressure on BLOs, while he asked if there was an urgency to manipulate the voter list. He demanded that the SIR process be transparent and impartial, conducted without any undue pressure. Dotasra also called for strict action against officials who are imposing unreasonable burdens on BLOs. Also, he appealed to the government to provide justice to the families of Mukesh Jangid and Hariom Bairwa and to punish those responsible for their plight, while the Congress's position focuses on protecting the interests of BLOs and ensuring the fairness of the electoral process.
Congress's Post-Loss Excuses, Says BJP
During a media interaction in Jaipur, Ashok Parnami and BJP Yuva Morcha state president Ankit Chechi questioned the Youth Congress's protests. Parnami sarcastically remarked that Congress consistently invents new excuses after every electoral defeat. He recalled that questioning EVMs and now protesting SIR has been a long-standing strategy for Congress. Parnami also reminded that Congress had approached the Supreme Court regarding EVMs but lost the case. Now, they're protesting SIR nationwide, even though the Election Commission is working impartially.
Emphasis on Election Commission's Impartiality
Parnami emphatically stated that the Election Commission isn't intimidated by anyone and is performing its duties with complete honesty and impartiality. He pointed out that the SIR process is currently underway in 12 states across the country after Bihar, which demonstrates the Commission's extensive reach and commitment. The BJP leaders' statements portray the Congress's protests as political maneuvering aimed at finding excuses for electoral losses rather than genuinely concerning themselves with democratic processes. This indicates that both parties are focused on strengthening their political ground. On this issue, making SIR a significant point of contention in Rajasthan politics.
