ECI Press Conference: The Election Commission (ECI) held a press conference on Sunday (August 17) amid the continuous opposition from opposition parties over the allegations of ‘vote theft’ made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Voter List released in Bihar. In addition to the announcement of the election schedule, formally calling a press conference by the Election Commission on any other issue is an unusual thing in itself. During this, the Election Commission responded to all the allegations of the opposition leaders.
Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that there is no party nor any opposition for the Election Commission. He said, “Every political party is born from registration in the Election Commission, then how can the Election Commission discriminate between those political parties.” He said that every citizen of India, who has completed the age of 18 years. Nomination should be done as a voter and exercise your franchise.
In the press conference of the Election Commission, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar further said, “Every political party is given complete information about the voter list but unfortunately some political parties are spreading confusion.”
Rahul Gandhi has accused the ‘vote chari’
Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly accused the Election Commission of rigging the voter-related data. They allege that ‘vote theft’ has taken place in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Haryana. The Commission has asked the Congress leader to release the names of those people, who claims that they have been incorrectly added or removed in the voter list. Also asked to present an a declaration.
The Election Commission has even said that if the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha fails to give an affidavit in support of his allegations, then they will have to apologize. Opposition parties are also raising questions about the Election Commission’s move to conduct a special intensive revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar. Opposition parties claim that crores of eligible citizens will be denied the franchise in the absence of papers.
The Supreme Court has also asked the Election Commission to release the details of 65 lakh names removed from the voter list to increase transparency in the voter list in Bihar, including the reasons for not including them, on the Election Commission website. Currently, the case continues to be heard in the apex court.
Rahul Gandhi launched ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Sunday alleged that conspiracy was being made to steal elections through the SIR of Bihar Voter List, but the opposition will not allow this to happen. The former Congress president also claimed in a meeting organized before the start of the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ that now everyone has come to know that votes are being stolen across the country. Rahul Gandhi said that this is a fight to save the Constitution.
He claimed that efforts are being made to steal the election by adding names to the voter list through SIR and removing the name. But this conspiracy will not be allowed to succeed. The Congress leader said, “Wherever the vote is being stolen, we will catch this theft and tell the public.” Rahul Gandhi claimed that Prime Minister Modi came under pressure and talked about getting caste census, but it is known that he will not conduct a real caste census.
The issue of Bihar SIR will also be raised in this journey. A total of 1,300 km will be covered in more than 20 districts in 16 days in the yatra. Rahul Gandhi will also take a march in various places in this visit. The trip starting from Sasaram will conclude on 1 September with a ‘Voter Rights Rally’ at the historic Gandhi Maidan in Patna.
This public meeting will include national level leaders of the ‘India’ alliance. The journey will pass through Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Munger, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnia, Araria, Supaul, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Chhapra and Ara.