'To Save Democracy, We Must Protect Right to Vote': Congress MP
Congress MP Gaddam Vamsi Krishna demands Chief Election Commissioner's resignation, alleging 13 crore voters lost their right to vote.
In a scathing attack on the current electoral administration, Telangana Congress MP Gaddam Vamsi Krishna has called for the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Speaking on Friday, the Peddapalli Lok Sabha MP raised serious concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process and emphasized that protecting every citizen’s right to vote is the only way to safeguard democracy.
Allegations of Mass Voter Disenfranchisement
The Congress MP leveled a massive allegation against the authorities, claiming that approximately 13 crore voters have lost their constitutional right to vote. He demanded a clear and transparent explanation from the Election Commission regarding this massive discrepancy.
Vamsi Krishna highlighted the immense struggle faced by ordinary citizens, noting that voters are often forced to make repeated, exhausting visits to government offices just to ensure their names remain on the electoral rolls. He warned that if citizens lose their voting rights despite these strenuous efforts, it poses a fundamental threat to the nation's democratic foundation.
Questions Over Appointment Process and Transparency
The lawmaker did not stop at voter rolls; he also cast doubt on the mechanisms used to select top election officials. He specifically questioned the 2023 law governing the appointment of Election Commissioners, which utilizes a selection committee consisting of:
- The Prime Minister
- The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha
- A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister
Vamsi Krishna argued that maintaining public trust in a constitutional body like the Election Commission must be the highest priority for the state. He stressed that for a democracy to thrive, the country requires justice, transparency, and a robust system, rather than rhetoric about sacrifice.
A Continued Struggle for Democratic Values
Addressing recent political sentiments, the MP remarked that instead of slogans about giving one's life for the country, the nation needs a system that actually functions for its people. He asserted that democracy does not belong to any single individual or institution, but to every Indian citizen.
"Our struggle will continue until every citizen’s right to vote is protected," the Congress MP declared, vowing to keep raising his voice to defend democratic values and ensure the electoral process remains inclusive and transparent for all.