The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday, August 17, have categorically dismissed the Opposition charge over alleged irregularities in the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise in poll-bound Bihar.
Addressing a much-anticipated press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar accused certain political parties of “spreading misinformation” on SIR.
“We saw a few days ago that photos of many voters were presented to the media without their permission. Allegations were made against them, they were used. Should the Election Commission share the CCTV videos of any voter, including their mothers, daughters-in-law, daughters? Only those whose names are in the voter list cast their votes to elect their candidate,” Kumar told reporters about concerns of ‘vote chori’ raised by Congress, the main opposition party in Bihar, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and members of INDIA bloc, including the Samajwadi Party.
“EC does not discriminate among political parties. Fact is, all stakeholders are working to make SIR a success in a transparent manner. Our doors are open to everyone, booth level officers and agents,” he said.
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Speaking on the controversial special intensive revision exercise, Gyanesh Kumar informed the press that at least 1,60,000 booth-level agents have prepared a draft list. “As this draft list was being prepared in every booth, the booth-level agents of all political parties verified it with their signatures. Voters have submitted a total of 28,370 claims and objections,” he said.
The commission has asked the Congress leader to submit the names of those he claims have been wrongfully added or removed from the voters’ list, along with a signed declaration.
(This is a developing story. More details awaited.)
