"Atmosphere of chaos in name of Special Intensive Revision": Priyanka Gandhi

New Delhi [India], July 17 (ANI): Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi on Sunday cited media reports and alleged that "massive irregularities" are coming to light in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls currently underway in poll-bound Bihar and questioned the independence of the Election Commission.
She also noted the silence of the poll body in the face of what she called an "atmosphere of chaos" among the people in the light of the exercise.
https://x.com/priyankagandhi/status/1945793984972091665
In a post on X, the Congress MP said, "In Bihar, in the name of Special Intensive Revision, whatever is happening, seeing it, the public is asking whether 'votebandi' is being implemented in Bihar?"
"According to reports published in the media, massive irregularities and fraud are coming to light in the entire process. There is an atmosphere of chaos among the public, and the Election Commission is silent on all questions. In such a situation, it is inevitable to question who the Election Commission is working for and what its purpose is?"
She noted: "Let it be remembered that in the past too, the people of the country have foiled every attempt to crush the Constitution and will foil it this time as well."
Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal on Thursday questioned the timing of SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar, stating that the Election Commission of India (ECI) should act as a "neutral player" ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.
He also alleged that the Election Commission is currently attempting to become "more loyal" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah than to their duty. The charge comes amid the SIR of electoral rolls currently underway in poll-bound Bihar.
"What Rahul (Gandhi) ji is saying about the Election Commission is the reality of this country. The Election Commission should be a neutral player in conducting elections. Nowadays, the Election Commission is trying to become more loyal to Modi and Shah than their duty," the Congress MP noted.
The Congress leader also noted that BJP's ally, TDP, has raised concerns over the move itself. He also called for a discussion on these concerns to "save democracy."
"Alliance partners of BJP, TDP themselves, are raising concerns. All political parties are raising concerns. How can you (ECI) do such an extensive exercise within two months? This question is being asked. Nobody is against any revision, but there should be sufficient time. The intention of the Election Commission is being questioned. Why are they coming in just before the Bihar elections? Your intention has to be clear. These are serious things that we need to discuss to save democracy," he told ANI.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday severely lambasted ECI over the exercise."The Election Commission of India is working under the direction of the BJP office. We sensitised people about their rights; we went to the Supreme Court; even the Supreme Court gave its directions, but Gyanesh Kumar (Chief Election Commissioner) did not do a single press conference and answer anything," he told reporters here. (ANI)