SHIMLA: Senior Congress leader Kaul Singh Thakur has voiced strong accusations against the Central Government, alleging a pattern of undermining democratic institutions and the partisan use of central investigative agencies. Addressing the media in Shimla on Friday, Thakur specifically targeted the Election Commission of India, questioning its impartiality and calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Thakur asserted that the current government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was systematically weakening democratic structures. He claimed that agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Income Tax Department were being weaponized to target opposition leaders, particularly during election periods, with the ultimate aim of influencing the functioning of the Election Commission.
The Congress leader also raised significant concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across the country. He alleged that this process had resulted in the disenfranchisement of eligible voters, citing specific instances in Bihar and West Bengal as examples of potential irregularities. Thakur demanded a thorough and fair investigation into these alleged deletions of voters’ names, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Thakur stated that an estimated 12.7 crore votes had been removed from electoral rolls nationwide, a figure he found alarming due to a perceived lack of transparency. He reiterated the fundamental principle that every citizen aged 18 and above who meets the eligibility criteria should be included in the voter list. The removal of names, he argued, should strictly adhere to legal provisions, applicable only in cases of deceased individuals or those no longer meeting the residency or eligibility requirements.
Thakur highlighted that the concerns articulated by opposition parties regarding these electoral roll revisions had been largely disregarded. He stressed the necessity of an impartial inquiry to address the alleged irregularities and called for accountability from the Election Commission for any lapses in its oversight responsibilities. He indicated that the opposition felt their concerns were not being adequately addressed by the Election Commission.
Further, the senior Congress leader condemned the reported detention of National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) protesters in Delhi. He asserted that citizens possessed a fundamental democratic right to voice their dissent and protest against government policies. Thakur accused the authorities of attempting to suppress peaceful demonstrations, a stance that he stated the Congress party vehemently opposed. He believes that freedom of speech and assembly are cornerstones of a democracy.
Reiterating his party’s long-standing demand, Thakur called for a return to ballot papers, advocating for their replacement of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). He argued that the electoral system must be transparent and inspire robust public confidence to uphold the democratic fabric of the nation. The use of ballot papers, in his view, would enhance this transparency and trust among the electorate.
The Congress leader also stated that Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah should accept moral responsibility and offer an apology to the voters if their fundamental right to vote had been compromised. Thakur concluded by emphasizing that the protection of voting rights, the assurance of electoral transparency, and the conduct of impartial investigations are critical imperatives for safeguarding the democratic system of India. He believes that the current government’s actions have endangered these principles.
Present at the press conference were former Chief Parliamentary Secretary and senior Congress leader Sohan Lal Thakur, District Congress President Champa Thakur, and other party functionaries who lent their support to his statements and demands.
The Chenab Times News Desk