Will Lord Jagannath's Darshan Erase Sins? Odisha Congress Chief Questions CEC Gyanesh Kumar
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Synopsis
In a stinging critique, OPCC chief Bhakta Charan Das challenges CEC Gyanesh Kumar, arguing that his visits to Lord Jagannath cannot cleanse the Election Commission's alleged failures. With large scale voter exclusions in focus, Das calls for accountability and reform in the electoral process.
Key Takeaways
- Criticism of CEC: Bhakta Charan Das strongly condemns CEC Gyanesh Kumar's actions.
- Voter Exclusion: Large-scale exclusions threaten electoral integrity.
- Demand for Accountability: Calls for the CEC's resignation highlight the need for electoral reform.
- Religious Visits: Visits to Lord Jagannath cannot absolve administrative failures.
- Political Allegations: Accusations against the ECI reflect broader concerns about democracy in India.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 27 (NationPress) The president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), Bhakta Charan Das, fiercely criticized Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Saturday, asserting that the CEC's visit to Lord Jagannath will not absolve the Election Commission of India (ECI) of its misdeeds.
Das accused the ECI of acting as a mere extension of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming it has neglected its constitutional duties.
Addressing reporters in Bhubaneswar, he alleged that the Commission is systematically violating democratic rights by purging legitimate voters from electoral rolls across various states.
“The current Commission is responsible for the removal of substantial numbers of voters from lists, denying citizens their constitutional right to vote,” the OPCC president stated.
Backed by data, Das highlighted the unprecedented scale of voter exclusion. “In Bihar, approximately 65 lakh voters were removed from the list. In Uttar Pradesh, nearly three crore names were reportedly erased from the electoral rolls following court orders, with similar actions occurring in multiple states. This is nothing less than subjugating democracy and stripping rights from the underprivileged,” he alleged.
Das also criticized the CEC for his three-day visit to Odisha, particularly his frequent trips to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in the state.
Questioning the integrity of the poll body chief, Das remarked that religious visits cannot compensate for administrative shortcomings.
“After such misdeeds, visiting Lord Jagannath daily for darshan will not absolve them. Lord Jagannath, the lord of the universe, observes everything. Their sins will not disappear,” he added.
Shifting his focus to Odisha, Das claimed a similar trend of voter exclusion is occurring in the state.
He asserted that thousands of eligible voters, particularly those from marginalized communities, have found their names missing from the revised electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming election cycle.
Demanding immediate accountability, the OPCC chief called for the Election Commission to take corrective measures to restore public faith.
“The CEC must accept accountability and resign if he fails to guarantee a free and fair electoral process. He must confront the truth, rectify the errors, and resign,” Das said.
The electoral roll revision in the state aims to update lists for 3.32 crore voters, eliminate duplicates, include eligible citizens, and optimize polling stations.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar is on a three-day visit to Odisha commencing Saturday.
Point of View
This situation underscores the growing concerns regarding electoral integrity in India. The allegations against the Election Commission reflect broader issues of trust in democratic processes, and it is crucial for all political entities to ensure transparency and fairness in elections. The Congress Party's stance represents a call for accountability that resonates with many citizens.
NationPress
11/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main allegations against the Election Commission?
The OPCC president has accused the Election Commission of systematically removing legitimate voters from electoral rolls, undermining democratic rights.
How has the voter exclusion affected the elections?
The exclusion of millions of voters could significantly impact the upcoming elections, denying many citizens their constitutional right to vote.
What is the response from the Election Commission?
The Election Commission has not yet publicly responded to these specific allegations made by the OPCC.
What does the OPCC demand from the CEC?
The OPCC demands that the CEC accept responsibility for the alleged failures and resign if he cannot ensure a free and fair electoral process.
What is the significance of Lord Jagannath in this context?
Lord Jagannath is a significant religious figure, and the criticism implies that religious visits cannot replace accountability for administrative failures.
