New Delhi, Sep 26 (NationPress) With the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative about to be rolled out in Chhattisgarh, senior Congress figure TS Singh Deo expressed the need for clarity on the process.

In an interview with IANS, Singh Deo remarked, “From what I understand, the authorities have asked political parties to submit names for Booth Level Agents (BLAs) and have provided the voter lists from the last election. While I believe this has been prepared for 2023, I am still uncertain if similar actions were taken in preceding years. New names have been added based on these lists. However, I am questioning the distinction between the names on the lists from 2023 and 2025. Where did these names originate?”

He added, “We need to determine where this process will begin. Previously, the deadline for the submission of BLA names was set for September 23 or 24, but it has now been extended, which is a positive move, showing they are not rushing things. Time has been allotted for submitting BLA names, and the voter list must also be meticulously reviewed.”

“A critical question is: Which list will serve as the comparative baseline? What documentation needs to be presented? Following which list were the names added? Where should the documents be submitted? All of this requires clarification. As of now, it remains ambiguous,” Singh Deo stated.

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent unveiling of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana in Bihar, which involved the direct transfer of Rs 10,000 to the bank accounts of 75 lakh women, summing up to Rs 7,500 crore, Singh Deo remarked, “This is not merely a freebie intended for appeasement. It is not designed to sway the elections prematurely. Since the Model Code of Conduct is not yet in effect, they have technically avoided any infractions. This initiative represents an effort. If nothing else seems effective, they have attempted this. If it yields noticeable results, it might assist them.”

“People are increasingly recognizing the continuity of beneficial schemes. If you possess a ration card, you are entitled to food grains. Regardless of which administration initiated the scheme, it persists. Over time, individuals have realized that benefits, whether ration or financial aid, are not tied to a specific government. They have become institutionalized. Today, whether it’s financial assistance for women or a minimum income, people believe they will receive it irrespective of who is governing,” he mentioned.

He further stated, “In fact, the minimum income proposal that our leader Rahul Gandhi introduced during the 2019 elections appears to have gained traction across the political spectrum. Every party is now discussing it in some form.”

Commenting on RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav’s eldest son Tej Pratap Yadav’s announcement of a new party symbol 'Blackboard' for his recently recognized political entity, the Janshakti Janata Dal, Singh Deo stated that this development is unlikely to influence the INDIA Bloc’s performance in Bihar.

“It shouldn’t be significant. Lalu Prasad Yadav’s goodwill primarily lies with him. However, in terms of actual influence and leadership, Tejashwi Yadav has served as the Deputy Chief Minister. If goodwill is to be passed on, it will be to Tejashwi,” he explained.

“Should others attempt to follow a similar route, they will struggle to carry that goodwill with them. They have not had any substantial political impact. Voters today are much better informed; they will not squander their votes. They will make informed choices based on who is likely to succeed, who is credible, and whom they wish to back. These new or splinter groups will likely remain peripheral. I do not believe it will significantly impact the bloc,” he told IANS.

On the topic of the US decision to impose a 100 percent tariff on imported medicines, Singh Deo chose not to comment directly on US President Donald Trump but expressed his concerns.

“It is perhaps better if I withhold my opinions about Donald Trump. He possesses a unique mindset. This is the reality of democracy—individuals with such perspectives can ascend to the presidency of major nations like the United States. The sooner his term concludes, the better it will be for the world,” he stated.

Singh Deo also responded to the Union Home Ministry's cancellation of the FCRA licence for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO, occurring a day after four individuals lost their lives in police firing during a violent protest for statehood. The government alleged that Wangchuk’s “provocative statements” incited the unrest.

“The current government’s inability to manage the country’s border regions and Union Territories is profoundly concerning. Just consider our relationships with neighboring countries—what is the status with Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives? Setting aside Pakistan for a moment, what about China? Our relationship with China remains precarious.”

He continued, “If such instability begins to surface internally, it becomes even more perilous. Reflect on the situation in Manipur: The Prime Minister did not visit the state for two-and-a-half years, and when he finally did, it was for merely three hours. The public’s response was not welcoming; there were sentiments like, ‘How can we dance when we are so sad?’ and similar reflections.”

“Children were instructed to line up to greet him, yet the reception was tepid. Now, images emerging from Assam are being scrutinized—are they fake news or genuine indications of unrest? Regardless, the fact that large numbers of people are taking to the streets must be treated with seriousness,” Singh Deo concluded.