NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding opposition's refrain that the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral roll stands to disenfranchise "tens of lakhs" of electors, EC remains steadfast in proceeding with the exercise strictly in conformity with the Constitution and the laws governing voter enrolment.
"The implementation of SIR in Bihar is running as per schedule with the active participation of all election staff and all political parties in the most transparent manner. Despite apprehensions of some, SIR will ensure that all eligible persons will be included," CEC Gyanesh Kumar told TOI on Thursday.
Kumar cited Article 326 of the Constitution of India and Section 19 and 21 of Representation of the People Act, 1950 to highlight how the legal framework necessitated SIR, saying "there is nothing more transparent in a democracy than the law".
While Article 326 of the Constitution mandates that only Indian citizens not less than 18 years, unless disqualified under any other law, will be registered as electors, Section 19 of R P Act, 1950 states that a person must be ordinarily resident in the constituency where he is enrolled. Section 21 of the R P Act provides for revision of electoral roll before each assembly/Lok Sabha poll/bypoll.
During their meeting with 11 opposition parties on Wednesday, EC assured them that SIR exercise in Bihar is being conducted in a planned, structured and phased manner to facilitate the inclusion of all eligible citizens.
Sources told TOI that between June 23 and July 2, the number of BLAs has risen to over 1.5 lakh from around 1.4 lakh, with the Congress doubling its BLAs in the field.
"EC urges all eligible citizens in Bihar to participate actively in this special drive to ensure that no voter is left out," the poll panel said and also appealed to parties to appoint more BLAs.
While assuring parties that not a single person who fulfils the conditions for enrolment, will be left out, an EC official explained that ineligible voters, including illegal immigrants and those not ordinary residents in that constituency, will need to be dropped. "However, no Bihar migrant will be disenfranchised; just that he will be enrolled in the constituency or state where he is ordinarily resident, that is, where he has been living for a reasonable period of time on grounds of marriage, work etc," explained the official.
Another senior EC functionary said SIR in Bihar was necessitated as the last exercise was undertaken 22 years ago.
"The implementation of SIR in Bihar is running as per schedule with the active participation of all election staff and all political parties in the most transparent manner. Despite apprehensions of some, SIR will ensure that all eligible persons will be included," CEC Gyanesh Kumar told TOI on Thursday.
Kumar cited Article 326 of the Constitution of India and Section 19 and 21 of Representation of the People Act, 1950 to highlight how the legal framework necessitated SIR, saying "there is nothing more transparent in a democracy than the law".
While Article 326 of the Constitution mandates that only Indian citizens not less than 18 years, unless disqualified under any other law, will be registered as electors, Section 19 of R P Act, 1950 states that a person must be ordinarily resident in the constituency where he is enrolled. Section 21 of the R P Act provides for revision of electoral roll before each assembly/Lok Sabha poll/bypoll.
During their meeting with 11 opposition parties on Wednesday, EC assured them that SIR exercise in Bihar is being conducted in a planned, structured and phased manner to facilitate the inclusion of all eligible citizens.
Sources told TOI that between June 23 and July 2, the number of BLAs has risen to over 1.5 lakh from around 1.4 lakh, with the Congress doubling its BLAs in the field.
"EC urges all eligible citizens in Bihar to participate actively in this special drive to ensure that no voter is left out," the poll panel said and also appealed to parties to appoint more BLAs.
While assuring parties that not a single person who fulfils the conditions for enrolment, will be left out, an EC official explained that ineligible voters, including illegal immigrants and those not ordinary residents in that constituency, will need to be dropped. "However, no Bihar migrant will be disenfranchised; just that he will be enrolled in the constituency or state where he is ordinarily resident, that is, where he has been living for a reasonable period of time on grounds of marriage, work etc," explained the official.
Another senior EC functionary said SIR in Bihar was necessitated as the last exercise was undertaken 22 years ago.
You may also like
McDonald's reveals Brits have been pronouncing one popular food wrong for years
Lesser known island next to huge tourist hotspot with unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear water
Fury in UK town as council wants to spend £7.7m of taxpayer cash on eco-friendly office
'Most beautiful' street between two famous European cities is carved into the rocks
England cricket legend Stuart Broad in awkward Wimbledon meeting with David Beckham
