'Delhi Police turns into predator,' says Supriya Shrinate amid SIR row
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate accuses Delhi Police of acting like a predator during the opposition's protest march against the SIR row.
In a scathing indictment of law enforcement conduct, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate has accused the Delhi Police of behaving like a "predator" rather than a protector of the citizens. Her comments come amidst intense political turmoil and large-scale demonstrations following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) row, which has ignited a fierce debate over electoral integrity and the rights of voters.
Allegations of Attacks on Fundamental Rights
Speaking to ANI, Shrinate expressed deep concern over the handling of recent protest marches. She argued that the core of Indian democracy—the right to vote—is currently under siege. According to the Congress leader, the police force, which is mandated to safeguard the populace, has instead adopted an aggressive stance against those exercising their democratic rights.
"The right to vote is the most crucial right, and it has been attacked... The Delhi Police's job is to protect the people of this country... Instead, the Delhi Police turns into a predator," Shrinate stated. She further pointed toward issues of accountability, noting that individuals being promoted despite controversial resurfacing names have had those promotions stayed.
Opposition Intensifies Protest March
The political friction escalated on Tuesday as the opposition INDIA bloc launched a massive protest march toward the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters in New Delhi. The march is a direct response to alleged discrepancies in electoral rolls and a demand for total transparency from the poll panel.
During the march, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi directed a pointed message toward Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In a social media post on X, Gandhi wrote: “Gyanesh, it’s done, bro. Time to resign.”
Demands for Accountability and Resignation
The opposition's grievances center on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Congress MP Dr. Dharamveer Gandhi has gone as far as labeling the alleged deletion of voters as the "biggest fraud in Indian political history."
- Voter Deletions: Dr. Gandhi alleged that thirteen crore votes have been deleted, effectively stripping millions of their democratic rights.
- Institutional Integrity: The Congress MP accused the current government of working in coordination with the ECI leadership to undermine democratic principles.
- Institutional Hijacking: Gandhi claimed that the BJP has extended its influence to turn investigating agencies and media into "pocket organisations."
Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav joined the fray, asserting that the opposition would do whatever is necessary to reach Nirvachan Sadan, despite heavy security barricades. Yadav criticized the ruling party's credibility, questioning their stance on constitutional bodies and citing the removal of the Chief Justice of India from the appointment panel for Election Commissioners.
Political Counter-Attacks
As the opposition marches, the ruling BJP has accused the INDIA bloc of attempting to compromise constitutional bodies. However, Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan dismissed these claims as mere allegations. "BJP's job is to make allegations. They are in power, so they will do that," Bachchan remarked.
Reflecting on the spiritual and moral dimensions of the conflict, Bachchan added, "We offer prayers so God can protect us, but God doesn't support wrongdoing. Ganesh ji doesn't help in wrong things. We begin prayers with offering prayers to Ganesh; He will protect us."