In a strong critique of electoral processes, Congress leader and former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot declared on Wednesday that removing eligible voters’ names from electoral rolls is deeply unfair and unacceptable. Speaking at a meeting of Congress booth-level officers (BLOs) in his Tonk constituency during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, Pilot emphasized the Election Commission’s constitutional duty to safeguard every citizen’s voting rights.
Pilot urged the poll body to ensure no eligible individual is deprived of their franchise under any circumstances. ‘The right to vote is our greatest democratic asset, and any attempt to snatch it away will not be tolerated,’ he asserted.
Expressing alarm over reports from various parts of the country, Pilot highlighted allegations that BLOs are facing undue pressure to add or delete names from voter lists to serve political interests. He described this as a grave issue demanding sensitive handling and accountability.
Referencing claims raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with evidence, Pilot pointed to irregularities in Bihar elections that have raised serious questions about the Election Commission’s impartiality. In such scenarios, he stressed, vigilance from citizens and party workers is crucial to preserving the sanctity of elections.
Praising the Tonk BLOs for their courage, restraint, and alertness during the ongoing revision, Pilot underscored their pivotal role in upholding transparency and fairness. He reminded everyone that the job isn’t done until the final publication of voter lists, calling for collective responsibility to prevent even one eligible voter’s name from being struck off due to documentation gaps or administrative lapses.
Pilot appealed to party workers to stay vigilant and assist voters in resolving documentation issues throughout the revision process.