Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned the Election Commission’s (EC) plan for a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Kerala during her recent visit to the state. Speaking to the press on Wednesday, she expressed strong opposition to the proposal, arguing it threatens the integrity of electoral processes.
Priyanka highlighted that the Congress party takes a firm stance against the SIR process, accusing the Election Commission of potentially manipulating electoral rolls. “The Election Commission is planning to carry out SIR of voter lists in many states, including Kerala, and we will strongly oppose it,” she stated. She emphasized that previous instances of SIR implementation, particularly in Bihar, raised serious concerns regarding its legitimacy.
During her discourse, she described the SIR exercise as “the only way of committing fraud and cheating in the election.” Priyanka claimed that the SIR, as demonstrated in Bihar, “undermines democracy.” She expressed her resolve to challenge this move by the EC throughout her constituency and beyond. “If that is what they are going to do in every state, then it is an affront to democracy, and we have to fight it,” she asserted.
Her visit to Kerala included the inauguration of the newly constructed Rajiv Gandhi Memorial Government Ayurveda Dispensary building in the Ernad area of Malappuram district, further emphasizing her commitment to local development. Priyanka arrived at Karipur airport earlier that day and proceeded to Wayanad to lead the inauguration of various development projects as part of her itinerary.
The Congress party’s opposition to the SIR process comes amid growing concerns about the role of the Election Commission in ensuring free and fair elections. With state elections approaching, these discussions on electoral integrity have gained significant traction.
Priyanka’s strong remarks reflect the broader discomfort among opposition leaders regarding the EC’s decisions. Many fear that such revisions to voter lists could disenfranchise eligible voters, thereby significantly influencing electoral outcomes.
As the political landscape evolves, the Congress party’s ongoing resistance to the SIR process highlights an essential debate on electoral reforms in India. The party’s leadership aims to rally support against perceived injustices in the electoral process and safeguard democratic values.
The upcoming local and national elections will test the effectiveness of these opposition efforts as they seek to enforce electoral accountability. By engaging with constituents and emphasizing the importance of valid voter representation, Priyanka Gandhi and the Congress party hope to navigate these complex political waters with a clear message of democracy’s preservation and voter rights.
