Why is Congress Challenging ECI's Delay on Aadhaar in SIR Process?
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Synopsis
The Congress party has expressed its grievances against the ECI for its delay in utilizing Aadhaar as proof of identity in Bihar's Special Intensive Revision process. The party also condemned the issuance of a show-cause notice to Pawan Khera without an investigation. This raises significant questions about the ECI's decision-making and transparency.
Key Takeaways
- Congress criticizes ECI for Aadhaar delay
- Aadhaar's removal raises voter disenfranchisement concerns
- Supreme Court mandates Aadhaar inclusion in SIR
- Questions arise about ECI's transparency and accountability
- Show-cause notice to Khera sparks controversy
New Delhi, Sep 10 (NationPress) The Congress party has raised serious concerns regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI) for its inordinate delay in recognizing the Aadhaar card as a valid form of identity in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Bihar, a measure mandated by the Supreme Court. Additionally, they criticized the ECI for issuing a show-cause notice to party leader Pawan Khera without conducting a proper investigation.
During a press briefing held at the Indira Bhawan party headquarters in the national capital, Congress Working Committee member and MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi expressed his discontent with the ECI's decision to initiate the SIR process in June, just four months ahead of the anticipated Assembly elections in Bihar.
Singhvi noted that this process was implemented without prior notice or sufficient consultation.
He referenced past instances where similar revisions were postponed in Maharashtra and Arunachal Pradesh back in 2003 due to the proximity of elections.
He questioned, “Why did the ECI proceed with the SIR in Bihar?”
Singhvi described the removal of the Aadhaar card from the list of acceptable documents for verifying voting rights in the SIR as a perplexing situation, blaming the ECI for failing to clarify why the names of 65 lakh electors had been struck off.
On September 8, the Supreme Court directed the ECI to consider the Aadhaar card as a “12th document” that can serve as proof of identity for inclusion in the revised voter list of Bihar.
Singhvi challenged the ECI's response to this directive. He questioned, “If the Aadhaar card is acceptable for critical documents such as ration cards, pension schemes, and income tax, why is the ECI denying its use for the SIR?”
He highlighted that the Supreme Court had previously instructed the ECI on at least three occasions to incorporate Aadhaar into the SIR process, yet the ECI consistently raised objections and delayed action.
Singhvi claimed that the Apex Court was compelled to intervene and order the inclusion of Aadhaar.
Furthermore, he described the show-cause notice served to Khera and his wife, Neelima Kota, by the Delhi poll office as retaliatory.
He pointed out that Khera received the notice on September 2, with his personal information being publicly disclosed, implying that he was presumed guilty without a fair chance to defend himself and without any investigation.
Singhvi added that Khera had filed the necessary paperwork in 2017 when relocating to the Jangpura area, and the ECI had subsequently updated his name to reflect his new assembly constituency. He argued that if the records were not updated eight years post-request, the responsibility lies with the Commission.
He questioned the rationale behind bringing up a eight-year-old issue when Khera was addressing the SIR process in Bihar and other concerns regarding the ECI.
Point of View
The ongoing conflict between the Congress party and the ECI highlights crucial issues surrounding electoral integrity and transparency. The inclusion of Aadhaar as a valid identity document is imperative for ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in the democratic process. The ECI must respond to these challenges with clarity and accountability.
NationPress
02/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process is a mechanism used by the Election Commission of India to update the electoral rolls and ensure that all eligible voters are registered and can participate in upcoming elections.
Why is Aadhaar being questioned as a proof of identity?
Aadhaar's inclusion as proof of identity has been questioned due to its removal from the list of valid documents during the SIR process, despite the Supreme Court's directive to recognize it.
What are the implications of the ECI's delay?
The ECI's delay in incorporating Aadhaar could disenfranchise a significant number of voters, raising concerns about the fairness and accessibility of the electoral process in Bihar.
What actions has the Supreme Court taken regarding Aadhaar?
The Supreme Court has directed the ECI to treat the Aadhaar card as a valid form of identity for inclusion in the revised voters list of Bihar at least three times prior to the recent intervention.
What is the significance of the show-cause notice to Pawan Khera?
The show-cause notice served to Pawan Khera has raised concerns about political retaliation and the lack of due process, as it was issued without a thorough investigation.
