The Election Commission held a press conference this Sunday addressing concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision process in Bihar and debunking allegations of 'vote theft'. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar affirmed neutrality, stating, 'We have no sides, only equals.' He robustly refuted Rahul Gandhi's accusations of 'vote theft' as baseless.
Welcoming All Queries
Kumar clarified, 'According to the law, if errors in voter lists aren't flagged timely, and no election petitions are filed in High Court within 45 days by voters to choose their candidates, using misleading terms like vote theft only confuses the public. Isn't that a violation of India's constitution?' He also pointed out that publicly displaying voter photos and identities breaches their privacy.
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Gyanesh Kumar reiterated that doors of the Election Commission are always open for everyone equally. On the ground, all voters, political parties, and booth level officers collaborated transparently, verifying, signing, and providing video testimonials.
Attempts to Mislead
He expressed grave concern over the verified documents and testimonials by district chairpersons of political parties or their appointed BLOs not reaching their leaders or being disregarded to spread misinformation.
Gyanesh highlighted the commitment of all stakeholders dedicated to the successful completion of Bihar's SIR and stated that with seven crore voters' backing, there can be no doubts on the Election Commission or voters' credibility.
Should CCTV Footage of Daughters-in-law be Released?
Addressing privacy breaches, he asked, 'Should the Commission release any voter's CCTV footage, be it their mother, daughter-in-law, or daughter?' Only those listed as voters elect their candidates.
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Commenting on the transparency of the Lok Sabha election process, Kumar shared that over a crore employees, more than 10 lakh booth level agents, and 20 lakh polling agents operate openly. Can any voter steal a vote in the midst of so many eyes?
Gyanesh Kumar declared that claims of double voting were unfounded. When proof was requested, no response was provided. Neither the Election Commission nor voters fear such baseless accusations. Standing among India's voters, the Election Commission vows to protect all, fearless and unbiased, for voters of all classes and faiths.
Only Indians to Have Voting Rights
According to the Constitution, only Indian citizens can elect MPs and legislators, not foreign nationals. SIR aims to verify document evidences by September 30, and will disqualify non-Indians through diligent checks.
Revision in Bengal - When?
CEE Gyanesh Kumar stated that the date for Bengal's SIR will be decided by the commissioners at the appropriate time and announced shortly, whether in West Bengal or other states.
Without substantial evidence, no eligible voter will be removed from voter lists. The Election Commission stands firm with voters as a bulwark. Kumar emphasized that faith cannot be placed on mere PowerPoint slides lacking Commission data, stating such actions are against the constitution and laws.
Strong Rebuke for Rahul Gandhi
The Chief Election Commissioner, without naming Rahul Gandhi, delivered a stern retort, saying India's democracy, hosting the largest voter list globally of 90-100 crores, assures both transparency and integrity. Accusing a voter of potentially voting twice without evidence tarnishes the image of all voters, a scenario where the Commission would not remain silent. An affidavit or a public apology remains the only recourse. Failing to provide an affidavit within seven days will render all accusations baseless, demanding an apology from those falsely vilifying voters.
