National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has vehemently condemned the Election Commission’s recent decision to conduct a special intensive revision of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, labeling it as “anti-Constitutional.” Speaking to reporters in Kulgam, South Kashmir where he attended a party event, Abdullah expressed deep concern over the implications of this move and termed it as against the democratic rights of people.
Abdullah said that the revision undermines the foundational principles laid out by B.R. Ambedkar in the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to vote. “When B.R. Ambedkar framed the Constitution, it was with the understanding that everyone attaining the age of 18 should have the right to participate in democracy. Today, however, a new law has emerged that is not acceptable to the people of Hindustan,” he said and warned that if the Election Commission proceeds with these practices, it could trigger widespread protests across the country.
Farooq Abdullah further said that over 1.5 crore Biharis are working outside their home state, how come these individuals would be able to register for voting or provide necessary documentation for other family members. “How will they fill out the forms? Where will they get the certificates for their deceased parents?” he questioned.
The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir accused the Election Commission of India, acting to “please their master” suggesting that political motivations are driving this decision at the cast of democratic integrity. He urged people to remain vigilant against such “acts” warning that failure to address these issues could lead to the agitation aimed at preserving constitutional rights.
The Election Commission had announced on June 24 its plans for a special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, citing reasons such as rapid urbanization, frequent migration, and the need to remove ineligible names from the electoral lists. The last revision in Bihar took place in 2003, and the upcoming elections are scheduled for later this year.
