Will the TN Congress Chief Stand Up Against Stolen Voting Rights?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Free and fair elections are crucial for democracy.
- Allegations of voter roll manipulation need urgent investigation.
- The right to vote is a fundamental citizen's right.
- Public confidence in electoral processes must be maintained.
- Action must be taken against those who compromise voting rights.
Chennai, Sep 18 (NationPress) The president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, K. Selvaperunthagai, has issued an emphatic warning to the Election Commission of India (ECI), stating that the Congress will not be a passive observer if citizens' right to vote is "stolen" through "manipulation" of electoral rolls.
In a strongly worded statement, Selvaperunthagai emphasized that free and fair elections are the bedrock of Indian democracy, and the right to vote is a fundamental entitlement for all citizens.
He remarked, "The denial of that right and irregularities in voter rolls represent some of the most serious threats to democracy."
Referencing incidents nationwide, he pointed out that numerous voter names have been mysteriously deleted without their consent.
He highlighted cases from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, where thousands of voters discovered their names were absent from the rolls. In a single constituency in Maharashtra, 9,850 voters were removed, raising significant concerns regarding the credibility of the Election Commission.
Selvaperunthagai also cited remarks from Congress leader and Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently accused officials in Delhi of tampering with electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu.
He expressed that this allegation is "deeply shocking."
Despite such alarming claims, Selvaperunthagai criticized the Election Commission for its "failure" to initiate a transparent investigation.
He referenced former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, who warned that neglecting allegations of malpractice without thorough inquiry would undermine the ECI's credibility, calling it "a matter of national disgrace."
According to Selvaperunthagai, "The Election Commission is failing in its responsibilities, thus depriving citizens of their voting rights. At a time when public trust must be maintained, its inaction constitutes a direct assault on democracy itself."
He demanded immediate and transparent investigations into the "irregularities" in voter lists and claims of electoral fraud.
He urged that "Those who try to strip people of their voting rights must face severe legal consequences, and negligent officials should be dismissed."
Concluding with a resolute warning, he stated, "The Congress Party will never remain silent when citizens' voting rights are compromised. Our commitment to defending democracy will only grow stronger."