What Is the Opposition Trying to Protect? Milind Deora Questions CM Banerjee's CEC Appeal
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Synopsis
In a recent statement, Milind Deora challenged the Opposition's motives regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, questioning their intent and the integrity of the electoral process in India. CM Banerjee's appeal to halt the SIR raises critical concerns about electoral integrity and the pressures faced by Booth Level Officers.
Key Takeaways
- Milind Deora questions the motives of the Opposition regarding the SIR process.
- CM Mamata Banerjee describes the situation as chaotic and dangerous.
- The integrity of the electoral process is emphasized as crucial for democracy.
- Dialogue is necessary to address concerns raised by both sides.
- The role of the Election Commission remains central to maintaining electoral integrity.
Mumbai, Nov 21 (NationPress) Following a letter from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, requesting the suspension of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls due to “inhuman” pressures on Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora raised concerns about the motives of some Opposition leaders who are against the SIR process. He questioned, “Who are they trying to protect, and from which country?”
In a statement to IANS, Milind Deora emphasized, “It’s essential to recognize that the Indian electoral process is among the most robust democratic systems globally.”
“India boasts the largest democracy, with approximately 650 million voters participating in every general election. The Election Commission is responsible for purging electoral rolls and eliminating fraudulent voters. I fail to understand why certain individuals, particularly from the Opposition, oppose this initiative. Whom do they want to defend, and from where?”
“I urge the Opposition leaders to provide clarity through your platform. They commend the ECI when victorious, yet criticize it in defeat. What’s the rationale behind this? Their lack of faith in the ECI, in India, and in our institutions is disheartening. We must unite to fortify democracy and set an example of India’s unparalleled democratic system,” he asserted to IANS.
Earlier, on Thursday, CM Mamata Banerjee expressed her necessity to address the CEC, indicating that the situation regarding the ongoing SIR had escalated to a “terribly alarming” level.
“The way this initiative is imposed on officials and citizens is not only disorderly and haphazard but also perilous,” CM Banerjee noted.
She emphasized that the lack of foundational preparation, sufficient planning, and clear communication had compromised the process from the outset.
The Chief Minister requested the CEC to promptly suspend the SIR exercise to prevent “more severe repercussions” in the future.
“I urge you to take decisive action to stop this ongoing exercise, halt coercive tactics, ensure adequate training and support, and thoroughly evaluate the current methodology and timelines,” CM Banerjee wrote.
CM Banerjee cautioned that if the procedure was not rectified immediately, the ramifications for the system, officials, and citizens would be “irreversible.”
“This intervention is not just necessary but crucial to uphold the integrity of our electoral system and democratic framework,” the letter from CM Banerjee asserted.
She acknowledged that while she appreciated the efforts of BLOs under immense pressure and workload, it was undeniable that they lacked adequate training, support, and time to manage such a significant undertaking.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the significance of the electoral process in India. Milind Deora's concerns about the Opposition's stance highlight the ongoing tension within our democracy. The integrity of electoral rolls is paramount, and dialogue is crucial to ensure faith in our institutions. This situation demands careful consideration to uphold democratic values.
NationPress
21/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
The SIR is a process conducted by the Election Commission to update and clean the electoral rolls, ensuring that only eligible voters are registered and fraudulent entries are removed.
Why did CM Mamata Banerjee request to halt the SIR?
CM Banerjee cited inhuman work pressure on Booth Level Officers and expressed concerns about the chaotic nature of the exercise, which she described as potentially dangerous.
What did Milind Deora say about the Indian electoral process?
Deora emphasized that India has one of the strongest and most robust democratic systems in the world, highlighting the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
How do the Opposition leaders respond to the Election Commission?
According to Deora, Opposition leaders praise the Election Commission when they win elections but criticize it when they lose, indicating a lack of consistent faith in the institution.
What are the possible consequences of halting the SIR?
If the SIR process is halted, it could lead to delays in updating electoral rolls, impacting the integrity of future elections and potentially disenfranchising eligible voters.
