Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 12 : Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls currently underway in Bihar is a "violation" of people's voting rights and stated the exercise has already caused "chaos" in the poll-bound Bihar. The State will have elections later in the year.
"... The intention behind conducting this SIR in Bihar will cause significant difficulties for the common people, especially those from the backwards classes. With elections approaching, they are being told to prove they are citizens of the country. Has any government in India ever issued a citizenship certificate to anyone? No one has such a certificate. Who will decide this? This has already caused chaos in Bihar," the Congress told ANI on Friday.
The Congress leader further said, "What is the reason for this haste? This is a violation of people's voting rights. Just as demonetization happened, the government is now moving toward 'vote-bandi.' We oppose this. Now, even the Supreme Court has said that Aadhaar cards and ration cards should be recognised... Why isn't this happening across India?"
Chowdhury's remarks came in response to an ongoing debate over the use of Aadhaar in the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral roll in Bihar.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court allowed the Election Commission to continue with its exercise of conducting a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar.
The Election Commission launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to update the state's electoral rolls. However, opposition parties have raised concerns, arguing that the short timeline and strict requirements could lead to the exclusion of many eligible voters.
The apex court posted for hearing on July 28 the pleas challenging ECI's move to conduct SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar and asked the poll panel to file its affidavit within one week.