Mann Slams SIR, Demands Probe Into Voter Roll Irregularities
Chandigarh, October 23: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday described 'vote theft' as a threat to Indian democracy and sought the cancellation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He called for an independent inquiry into the exercise and strict action against those responsible for irregularities.
In the Assembly, Mann alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was altering voter lists in the name of the Election Commission by adding votes that favoured it and deleting those of the opposition. He claimed that elections in Bihar, West Bengal, Haryana and Maharashtra were won through 'vote theft'.
Mann said the country had reached a point where a government elected by the public was now deciding who could cast a vote. He warned that authoritarian forces had come to dominate all four pillars of democracy.
Following his remarks, the Assembly passed a resolution against the SIR by voice vote. Mann called the move 'dhakkashahi' and a danger to citizens' voting rights, and said the resolution showed the state's opposition to it.
During discussion on a resolution aimed at protecting citizens' voting rights under the ongoing SIR, the Chief Minister said Punjab had taken a leading role nationally by condemning the exercise. He underlined that every eligible citizen must be able to vote without fear of being arbitrarily removed from the rolls.
"The right to vote is not a present given by any government. It is the bedrock of democratic participation, and no eligible citizen should be denied it through unnecessary hardship or arbitrary action while establishing their eligibility," he said.
Mann pointed out that the Constitution drafted under B.R. Ambedkar's vision guarantees equality, dignity and political participation to every citizen. He expressed concern about names being deleted from voter lists in ways that hit certain sections of society, and demanded full transparency and a fair inquiry into the revision process.
"Any process that determines who can exercise voting rights must be transparent, fair and accountable. Protecting the voting rights of every eligible citizen is essential to preserving the foundations of Indian democracy," Mann said.
He questioned why objections were raised only after protests started in an assembly constituency, and why the Election Commission had now decided to formally record the details of its meetings. Referring to differences among election commissioners over the commission's decision-making, he called for the highest standards of public scrutiny.
The Chief Minister also criticised the Union government, led by the BJP, over the functioning of central investigative agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation. He said constitutional and investigative institutions must work independently and without political pressure.
Mann asked, "Is India going to remain a democracy where every vote matters, or will we let a system take root in which those in power decide whose voice should be heard?"
He also raised concern over the Centre's attitude towards Punjab's efforts to attract international investment. "I am working to present Punjab to the international business community as a preferred investment destination, highlighting the state's industrial capacity, skilled workforce and entrepreneurial spirit," he said.
Mann said obstacles had come up during a proposed foreign visit aimed at promoting investment opportunities in Punjab, and that the action taken against him raised several questions that needed thorough scrutiny. He also expressed concern about the customs establishment and stressed the need for transparency and accountability in institutions.
"Punjab's economic progress must not be made a hostage to political differences. Investment, employment and prosperity are directly linked to the future of our youth. Every effort to attract investment and create opportunities should be encouraged," the Chief Minister said.