"They have to spell it": HD Kumaraswamy urges EC to clarify internal rift
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy demands the Election Commission clarify reports of internal disagreements regarding electoral roll revisions.
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has called upon the Election Commission of India (ECI) to step forward and provide a public explanation regarding reports of internal disagreements within the poll panel. Speaking to the media on Saturday, the Minister emphasized that the responsibility for clearing the air lies solely with the autonomous body, especially amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Demanding Transparency from an Autonomous Body
Kumaraswamy highlighted the necessity of distinguishing between media reports and the actual ground reality within the commission. He argued that because the ECI is such a vital and independent institution, the public deserves to know the truth behind any perceived friction.
"What is the ground reality? What is going on inside the Election Commission?" Kumaraswamy questioned. He further added, "The difference between what we are watching in the media and what is the real fact has to come out by these members. Because this is an important organisation, an autonomous body; why has it happened? That reality they must tell the media and the country."
The Minister specifically pointed toward the leadership, stating that if there are issues between the three members, including the chairman, they must be addressed openly. "Anything is there, they have to spell it," he asserted.
The Core of the Controversy: Dissent and Electoral Rolls
The demand for clarity comes as reports surface regarding internal friction during the SIR exercise. According to reports from The Indian Express, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded 14 written dissents or objections over a ten-month period.
The controversy has also drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures. Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari has leveled serious allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, questioning the integrity of the SIR process. Ansari alleged that the removal of names from voter lists was being handled in a way that favored the BJP, specifically targeting vulnerable groups.
Key Allegations Raised by Irfan Ansari:
- Targeted Deletions: Ansari claimed that names of Muslims, Dalits, and Adivasis were being removed from the electoral rolls.
- Political Interference: He alleged that the poll panel was acting in a manner that benefited a specific political party rather than remaining neutral.
- Regional Concerns: The Minister suggested that similar issues regarding mass deletions had occurred in West Bengal and demanded a re-election in Bihar due to these discrepancies.
The Election Commission's Stance
While the allegations and reports of dissent have sparked a political firestorm, the Election Commission has defended its internal processes. The poll panel has maintained that:
- Internal notes, queries, and discussions are standard components of institutional functioning.
- All final decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) were reached through unanimous agreement.