New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) As the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative gears up for launch in Chhattisgarh, senior Congress figure T.S. Singh Deo is seeking further understanding on the matter.

In an interview with IANS, Singh Deo remarked, “Based on my current knowledge, the authorities have asked political parties to submit names for Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and have provided the voter lists from the last election. It appears they have updated this for 2023, but I'm uncertain if similar actions were taken in previous years. New names have been introduced on these lists, but what distinguishes the names listed for 2023 from those for 2025? Where did these new names originate?”

“We must determine where this process initiates. Initially, the deadline for submitting BLA names was set for September 23 or 24, but it has since been extended. This extension is beneficial; it shows they are not rushing the process. Time has been allotted for BLA name submissions, and the voter list needs meticulous review,” he added.

“The pressing question is: which list will serve as the comparison baseline? What documentation is required? After which list were these names incorporated? To whom must the documents be submitted? All these elements necessitate clarification. Currently, the situation remains ambiguous,” Singh Deo stated.

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana in Bihar, which involved transferring Rs 10,000 to the bank accounts of 75 lakh women, totaling Rs 7,500 crore, Singh Deo commented, “This isn't merely an appeasement measure. It doesn’t aim to sway the elections prematurely. Since the model code of conduct isn't in effect yet, they have technically avoided any infractions. This initiative is an effort; if nothing else proves effective, they opted for this. If it yields tangible results, it could potentially assist them.”

“People are increasingly recognizing the continuity of schemes. For instance, possessing a ration card grants you access to food grains, irrespective of which government instituted the scheme. These benefits have become ingrained in society. Nowadays, people expect financial support, whether in the form of women’s aid or minimum income, regardless of the ruling party,” he elaborated.

“Indeed, the minimum income proposal raised by Rahul Gandhi during the 2019 elections appears to have gained traction across various political factions. Every party is now discussing it in some capacity,” he mentioned.

Addressing RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav's son Tej Pratap Yadav unveiling his new party symbol 'Blackboard' for his newly recognized party, Janshakti Janata Dal, Singh Deo remarked that this development is unlikely to impact the INDIA bloc’s performance in Bihar.

“It shouldn’t have an effect. Lalu Prasad Yadav's goodwill remains intact. However, in terms of actual influence and leadership, Tejashwi Yadav has been in government as the Deputy Chief Minister. If goodwill is to be transferred, it will likely flow to Tejashwi,” he stated.

“If others pursue a similar path, they will struggle to retain that goodwill. They have not made a significant political impact. Voters today are more informed and won't squander their votes. They will make deliberate choices based on who is likely to succeed, who is credible, and whom they wish to support. These newcomers or breakaway factions will probably remain on the periphery. I doubt this will significantly impact the bloc,” he told IANS.

In light of the US imposing a 100 percent tariff on imported medicines, Singh Deo chose not to comment directly on US President Donald Trump but expressed his concerns.

“It’s best if I refrain from commenting about Trump. He possesses a distinct mindset. This reflects the reality of democracy; individuals with such ideologies can ascend to the presidency of major nations like the United States. The sooner his term concludes, the better for the global community,” he expressed.

Singh Deo also reacted to the Union Home Ministry's revocation of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO license, issued shortly after four individuals died in police shootings during a violent protest for statehood. The government accused Wangchuk of making “provocative statements” that incited unrest.

“The current government's inability to manage the country’s border provinces and union territories is profoundly troubling. Just consider our relations with neighboring nations -- how are things with Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives? Setting aside Pakistan, what about China? Our relationship with China remains precarious,” he noted.

“If such instability begins to manifest within, it becomes even more perilous. Take Manipur as an example: the Prime Minister didn't visit the state for two and a half years, and when he finally did, it was merely for three hours. The public's response was not warm; there were whispers like, ‘How can we celebrate when we feel so despondent?’ and similar sentiments,” Singh Deo concluded.

“Children were lined up to welcome him, yet the reception was tepid. Now, images emerging from Assam are under scrutiny -- are they false narratives or genuine signs of unrest? Regardless, the fact that people are taking to the streets in significant numbers warrants serious attention,” Singh Deo reiterated.