"Vacate your throne, Modi ji": Revanth Reddy demands SIR rollback
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy demands a rollback of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, warning PM Modi to vacate his position.
In a scathing attack on the central government, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has issued a direct warning to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding an immediate rollback of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Speaking on Thursday, Reddy suggested that if the government does not comply with the demands, the public would eventually force the Prime Minister out of office.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while departing from Raj Ghat, following a visit by leaders of the INDIA bloc. The opposition coalition has been engaged in a high-profile campaign against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the electoral process.
"Vacate your throne, Modi ji"
Reddy's comments were part of a broader outcry regarding the integrity of the voting process. "Roll back SIR, otherwise you will have to vacate your position. 'Sampoorn kranti'. Vacate your throne, Modi ji; otherwise the public will make you do that," the Chief Minister stated emphatically.
The protest marks the third consecutive day of agitation by the INDIA bloc, which has been active on the streets of Delhi. The opposition leaders claim that the current electoral revision process is a tool being used to manipulate democratic outcomes.
Allegations of 'Vote Chori' and Suppression
Congress MP Manickam Tagore detailed the intense activities of the opposition over the last three days. He noted that the bloc had moved from Parliament to meet the CEC to address allegations of "vote chori" (vote theft). He also highlighted the difficulties faced by the opposition during protests at Jantar Mantar.
Key allegations made by the INDIA bloc include:
- Undermining Dissent: Tagore claimed that the right to protest is being hijacked and that opposition voices are being systematically silenced in the national capital.
- Collusion: The opposition alleged that the CEC is working in tandem with Amit Shah and Narendra Modi to ensure the ruling party remains in power through unfair means.
- Treatment of Leaders: Tagore alleged that Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi was treated poorly during recent demonstrations.
The opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Rahul Gandhi, visited Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, framing their struggle as a fight to save the democratic principles that the Mahatma stood for.
"Democracy is under attack"
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal joined the fray, stating that the very foundation of Indian democracy is being dismantled. "The entire democracy is completely finished by Modi and Shah through Gyanesh Kumar," Venugopal told reporters, describing the current movement as one of the most powerful agitations in recent times.
Adding to the pressure, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi urged the Prime Minister to listen to the "voice of the country." Gogoi reminded the PM of his own description of himself as a "Pradhansevak" (servant of the people), suggesting that he should bow to the national demand and resign rather than attempting to win elections through deceit with the help of the Election Commission.
The tension in the capital has escalated significantly since Tuesday, when INDIA bloc MPs marched to Nirvachan Sadan. On Wednesday, protests near Jantar Mantar led to police detaining several Members of Parliament, including Rahul Gandhi. The opposition has indicated that they will announce their next course of action very shortly.