Siddarth Sethia
*Thanks to the Court for Calling Out Injustice.
*PM Must Direct Gyanesh Kumar to Resign.
*Election Commissioners Must Not Act as Any Party’s ‘Tool’.
*We Will Not Let Voting Rights Be Snatched Away.
*Statewide Awareness Campaign Announced.
*Fight Against SIR in Every District and Constituency.
*Opposition Stands United to Protect Constitution and Democracy.
“Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar must meet opposition leaders,hold talks,and admit the mistake that has occurred,”demanded CM D K Shivakumar.
CM DK Shivakumar spoke during the protest held on Friday near Vijay Chowk in Delhi,demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
“What does it mean if the Chief Election Commissioner does not meet the opposition leaders despite such a large-scale protest?What more proof is needed to show that he has made a mistake?”he said.
“The Election Commission is an autonomous body created by the government to safeguard the Constitution.It is its duty to treat everyone equally.No democracy accepts running a government without an opposition,”he added.
“Gyanesh Kumar must meet the opposition leaders and state that a mistake has been made.After we complained to the Election Commission regarding the SIR irregularities that took place in our state, changes were made overnight,”he said.
Thanks to the Court for Calling Out Injustice:
“The Supreme Court lashed out at the Commission, stating that permission was not granted for changes to Form 6.Thanks to the court for raising its voice against this injustice.
The Supreme Court must intervene once again to save this country and democracy.We are expecting that,” he stated.
Election Commissioners Must Not Act as Any Party’s ‘Tool’:
“Democracy must stay alive.The Prime Minister should instruct the Election Commissioner to step down from his post.This is the Prime Minister’s duty.
The court itself has stated that the Election Commissioner cannot be allowed to continue over such matters.
As Election Commissioner,he should not become a puppet of the BJP.He should not work as a tool for any political party,”he said.
“Those holding a constitutional post like the Election Commissioner must maintain balance, but he has lost his balance.
Therefore,I hope the Prime Minister will show the wisdom to ask for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Furthermore,the current SIR process must be scrapped, discussed with all opposition leaders,ensured to be free and fair,and a new policy must be introduced so that everyone gets the right to vote,”he added.
We Will Not Let Voting Rights Be Snatched Away:
Permission will not be given to omit eligible voters’ names from the voters’ list.To protect the right to vote, a public awareness campaign will be conducted in every district and assembly constituency across the state, said Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar.
The ongoing fight regarding the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of voters’ lists is not limited to any single party. This is a struggle taking place to protect every citizen’s right to vote and the Constitution.
Along with retaining eligible voters’ names,the addition of ineligible votes must also be stopped.The struggle will be continued in this direction, he informed.
As Chief Minister,I have provided guidance and cooperation so that everyone can protect their right to vote.
Those eligible to add their names to the voters’ list can submit Form 6.Everyone legally eligible must get the opportunity to vote.There should be no room for the misuse of the right to vote, he said.
Opposition United at the National Level:
Regarding the SIR issue,opposition parties are fighting unitedly at the national level as well.Leaders of various parties discussed several matters during the meeting held at Central Hall in Delhi.
D.K.Shivakumar informed that the opposition alliance is moving forward to bring allegations regarding the misuse of the right to vote to attention by submitting a memorandum to the President.
Allegations have been heard that the misuse of the right to vote took place during the central government’s tenure.
Such cases have come to light in various states too. All these issues need to be verified to protect the democratic system.Hence, all parties will fight unitedly. There is strength in unity,he said.
Voter Awareness Drive in Every District and Constituency:
Answering a question regarding how the struggle will continue in the state,he said that work will be done to create public awareness in every district and assembly constituency.
AICC General Secretaries and party leaders have provided guidance in this regard. Accordingly, awareness will be created among people to check whether their names are present on the voters’ list.
If eligible voters’ names have been left out, assistance will be provided to rectify it through appropriate measures,he stated.
