New Delhi. Congress’s attacks on the Central Government and the Election Commission regarding the functioning of the Election Commission and the ongoing SIR process in the voter list are becoming increasingly intense. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday clarified the party’s stand and said that there are three issues on which the Congress is not ready to make any kind of compromise. He reiterated the demand for resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, abolition of SIR process and holding of elections through ballot papers instead of EVMs.
Kharge enumerated three big demands of Congress
Mallikarjun Kharge said that the first demand of Congress is the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The second demand is to cancel the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in the voter list, while the third demand is to conduct future elections through ballot paper. Kharge claimed that the opposition along with Congress workers will hold talks on these issues. Alliance leaders and workers are also protesting in different parts of the country. He said that it is very important to ensure transparency and fairness in the election process.
Congress in support of civil society and youth organizations
The Congress President said that the party stands with those civil organizations and youth groups who are raising their voice on these issues related to the election system. He said that the movement will continue to strengthen democratic institutions and protect the rights of voters. Kharge also raised the issue of alleged harassment of women journalists in Delhi. Targeting the BJP, he described it as very serious and condemnable. He also alleged that the government is adopting different methods to divert attention from the real issues.
Questions raised on Election Commission regarding SIR
The controversy over SIR escalated further when Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had lodged official objections to SIR-related decisions and orders at least 14 times during the last 10 months. The report, quoting sources, claimed that both the Election Commissioners had said that some orders were issued without their knowledge or recommendation.
Commission said- disagreement is part of the internal process
After the news of alleged disagreement between the election commissioners came to light, the Election Commission presented its stand. The Commission said that in any democratic institution, the emergence of different views and registration of objections is part of the normal process of internal deliberations. The Commission also clarified that all its orders are in accordance with the legal provisions and are issued only by following the prescribed statutory procedure.
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Congress agitation continues on three issues
It is clear from Kharge’s latest statement that Congress is in a mood to continue its protest on the issues related to SIR, functioning of the Election Commission and EVMs. The party is preparing to continuously raise these demands in collaboration with opposition parties and various organizations.