NEW DELHI: Karnataka Congress leaders joined the INDIA bloc’s protest march in New Delhi on Sunday, demanding the scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The Congress leaders accused the Narendra Modi government and the Election Commission of undermining democratic institutions and alleged that efforts were being made to deprive eligible citizens of their constitutional right to vote.
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president B.K. Hariprasad launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and the Election Commission, alleging that the poll panel was functioning in a partisan manner.
Hariprasad said the Supreme Court should intervene to protect the Constitution and democratic institutions. He added that the Congress leaders had come together to take their concerns forward and intended to submit a representation to the Chief Justice of India.
He also urged the judiciary to consider complaints raised by ordinary citizens and students, arguing that concerns over electoral processes deserved serious attention.
‘CEC should resign’
Karnataka excise minister K.M. Shivalinge Gowda alleged that the Election Commission had come under the influence of the Union government. He said protests were being held across the country demanding Kumar’s resignation and called for corrective measures to address alleged irregularities in the electoral system.
Former Karnataka minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar said the right to vote was among the most valuable constitutional rights and alleged that attempts were being made to undermine it.
“Voting is a powerful instrument in a democracy,” she said, claiming that the alleged developments could weaken democratic institutions.
‘Democracy is under threat’
Karnataka minister Shivaraj Tangadagi accused the authorities of creating difficulties for people travelling to Delhi to participate in the protest. He alleged that restrictions on transport services were being used to discourage participation.
Tangadagi also invoked the Constitution drafted under the leadership of Dr BR Ambedkar, alleging that democratic values were being undermined. He referred to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s earlier allegations of “vote theft” and said concerns over electoral integrity needed to be addressed.
The opposition has intensified its criticism of the Election Commission over the SIR exercise and demanded greater transparency in the preparation of electoral rolls.
The allegations made by Congress leaders against the Union government and the Election Commission remain their political claims. The protest comes amid a broader debate over voter-list revisions, electoral transparency and the independence of constitutional institutions.
