Can any rational individual question a constitutional institution? Bihar Dy CM criticizes LoP Gandhi over SIR opposition
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Synopsis
Bihar's political landscape is charged as Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha vehemently defends the Election Commission against Rahul Gandhi's criticisms. With 78 million voters under scrutiny, concerns about accessibility and documentation in Bihar's voter list revision spark heated debates. Will this political contention reshape pre-election strategies in the state?
Key Takeaways
- Deputy CM Sinha defends the Election Commission against criticism.
- The SIR process raises concerns about voter disenfranchisement.
- Over 74 percent of voter enumeration forms have been collected.
- Political tensions are escalating ahead of elections in Bihar.
- Documentation requirements for voters remain a contentious issue.
Patna, July 12 (NationPress) Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has delivered a strong critique aimed at the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, concerning his comments on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar.
The opposition has voiced serious apprehensions about the procedure requiring 78 million voters to prove their citizenship within a limited timeframe.
According to Congress, in a state like Bihar where economic hardship and low educational attainment lead to a lack of understanding regarding documentation, close to 30 million voters would need to present 11 documents, instead of the typically accessible ration cards, Aadhaar cards, or voter IDs, to validate their citizenship.
Addressing reporters in Patna, Sinha remarked: “Rahul Gandhi is deceiving the public. A reasonable individual cannot challenge the Election Commission of India, especially after the Supreme Court has unequivocally stated that it will not question a constitutional authority.”
Sinha accused LoP Gandhi of belittling constitutional institutions and demanded his resignation from the constitutional office along with a public apology.
“A rational individual cannot question a constitutional body. Appu (Tejashwi Yadav) and Pappu (Rahul Gandhi) have conspired to mislead the public and disrespect the Constitution by disseminating falsehoods about constitutional entities,” Sinha asserted.
These comments arise amid ongoing political strife regarding the SIR of the voter list in Bihar.
LoP Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav have expressed concern that numerous impoverished voters in Bihar may forfeit their voting rights due to a lack of documents like birth certificates to substantiate their eligibility, questioning why the Election Commission has not accepted documents such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards, voter ID cards, and MNREGA job cards for the revision process.
During a Supreme Court hearing on June 10, the court suggested that the Election Commission should take into account documents like Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards, and ration cards during the voter list revision.
The ongoing voter list revision has become a critical point of contention in Bihar’s pre-election landscape, with the opposition challenging its transparency and inclusivity, while the ruling NDA defends the Election Commission’s actions.
The Election Commission reported that over 74 percent of enumeration forms have already been collected across Bihar, with door-to-door verification currently in progress.
Point of View
Our stance is firmly aligned with fostering democratic integrity and transparency. The current debate surrounding the SIR process in Bihar exemplifies the critical need for accessible voting rights for all citizens. It is essential that both the government and the opposition engage constructively to ensure that the electoral process remains inclusive and fair.
NationPress
13/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process undertaken by the Election Commission to update the voter list, ensuring that all eligible citizens can participate in elections.
Why are there concerns regarding documentation for voters in Bihar?
Concerns arise because a significant portion of Bihar's population may lack the necessary documentation, such as birth certificates, to prove their citizenship, potentially disenfranchising them.
What has the Supreme Court said about the Election Commission's role?
The Supreme Court has affirmed that the Election Commission is a constitutional body and should not be questioned without substantial evidence.
How many voters are affected by this revision process?
Approximately 78 million voters in Bihar are required to verify their citizenship under the current revision process.
What is the stance of the ruling NDA on the voter list revision?
The ruling NDA defends the Election Commission's processes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral system.
