BJP Targets Congress Over EC, SIR Row; Irani Defends Poll Body

On Tuesday, the BJP accused the Congress of “leaving no stone unturned to rip apart India’s constitutional mechanisms” amid the ongoing row over the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Speaking to reporters, BJP national general secretary Smriti Irani questioned why the Congress wanted the names of deceased people and duplicate entries to remain on electoral rolls. She also accused the party of targeting the Election Commission instead of introspecting over its electoral defeats.

Irani referred to remarks made by Congress leaders in the past and alleged that the party was now attempting to undermine India’s democratic and constitutional institutions.

Irani praises Election Commission’s role in democracy

“As a citizen, I want to say that the Election Commission strengthens India’s democratic systems and is the pride of Bharat’s democracy, which has been appreciated and paid respect to by several countries,” Irani said.

She accused the Congress of targeting the Election Commission because, according to her, it had failed to secure public support through the democratic process.

Irani also said the Election Commission had clarified that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) would visit the homes of people who received notices during the ongoing SIR to collect and verify their documents.

Irani questions Congress’ stand on voter rolls and EC

She questioned why the Congress wanted the names of deceased people restored to electoral rolls and why duplicate names should remain on voter lists.

Irani also criticised the Congress for invoking the Lahore Session of the party while attacking the Election Commission. She questioned whether the Congress was giving the EC a “clean chit” in Opposition-controlled states such as Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Karnataka.

The BJP’s remarks came after the Congress Working Committee demanded the immediate removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, suspension of the ongoing SIR process and restoration of names it said had been removed from electoral rolls.