Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on the government and the. Election Commission of India (ECI) once again, focusing on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Gandhi has labeled the SIR as 'imposed cruelty' and claimed that it has. Created an atmosphere of chaos across the country, directly impacting Booth Level Officers (BLOs). Through a post on the social media platform X, Gandhi has raised serious questions about the ECI's functioning and its approach to electoral reforms.
The Controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Process
Rahul Gandhi, in his criticism of the SIR process, asserted that it isn't a reform but rather a form of 'imposed cruelty' on the people. He highlighted the widespread chaos that the SIR has allegedly caused nationwide, affecting both ordinary citizens and electoral officials, while according to Gandhi, this process has fostered an environment lacking transparency and accountability, thereby casting doubts on the credibility of the electoral system itself. What is presented as a reform, he argues, has instead become a source of significant trouble. For citizens and has placed an undue burden on the administrative machinery responsible for its implementation. This situation, he suggests, undermines the very spirit of electoral improvement.
Tragic Human Cost: 16 BLO Deaths in Three Weeks
Gandhi brought to light the dire consequences of the SIR, revealing that 16. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have tragically lost their lives in the past three weeks. He stated that some of these BLOs committed suicide due to immense work pressure, while others succumbed to heart attacks. This statistic paints a grim picture of the severe mental and physical stress faced by ground-level electoral workers. Gandhi further noted that hundreds of other BLOs are currently working under heavy stress due to the SIR, indicating the widespread nature of the problem. He accused the government of collaborating with the Election Commission to create a system where ECI officials exert excessive pressure on BLOs. This pressure, he claims, is directly leading to stress, heart. Attacks, and suicides, thereby endangering the lives of these dedicated officers.
Outdated Voter Lists and Allegations of 'Vote Theft'
Rahul Gandhi also sharply criticized the ECI's voter list management system. He pointed out that the ECI has created a system where citizens are forced to sift through thousands of scanned pages of 22-year-old voter lists to find their own names. This process isn't only cumbersome but also incredibly time-consuming, potentially deterring genuine voters. Gandhi alleged that the motive behind this cumbersome process is clear: to exhaust and discourage legitimate voters, thereby allowing 'vote theft' to proceed unchecked. He emphasized that in a modern democratic nation, with advanced technological capabilities, it's a significant. Failure for citizens to struggle with such an archaic and inefficient system to establish their identity. This system, he argued, not only inconveniences voters but also raises serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
**India's Tech Prowess vs.
The Congress leader drew a stark contrast between India's technological advancements and the ECI's operational methods. He sarcastically remarked that while India develops cutting-edge software for the world, its own Election Commission remains fixated on creating a 'jungle of papers. ' Gandhi contended that if the intentions were genuine, the voter lists would be digital, searchable, and machine-readable. A digital and easily searchable list wouldn't only be convenient for citizens but would also enhance transparency and efficiency in the electoral process, while he stressed that instead of rushing work in a hurried 30-day period, the Election Commission should take adequate time and focus on transparency and accountability. This technological backwardness, he suggested, appears to be a deliberate oversight, contrary to the image of a modern India.
A 'Conspiracy' to Undermine Democracy
Rahul Gandhi unequivocally described the SIR as a 'deliberate move,' where citizens are being harassed, and the deaths of BLOs due to unnecessary pressure are being dismissed as 'collateral damage. ' He asserted that this isn't merely a failure but a deep-seated 'conspiracy. ' According to Gandhi, this conspiracy amounts to 'the sacrifice of democracy to protect power. ' He alleged that the entire process is designed to weaken. Democratic values and increase the potential for manipulation within the electoral system. By harassing citizens and placing immense pressure on ground-level officials, a system. Is being created that goes against the principles of free and fair elections. These grave accusations raise significant concerns for the future of Indian democracy.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
In his statement, Rahul Gandhi called upon the Election Commission to prioritize transparency and accountability, while he urged the ECI to take sufficient time to ensure that the voter list is flawless and accessible, rather than rushing the process within a hurried 30-day period. There is a clear need for a system that helps citizens easily access their information and doesn't place undue pressure on BLOs. Gandhi believes that only a transparent and accountable process can strengthen the foundations of Indian democracy and ensure that every citizen's vote is recorded securely and respectfully. This demand represents a critical step towards improving the electoral process and safeguarding democratic principles.
