Telangana CM Revanth alleges BJP attempting to disenfranchise voters

New Delhi, Oct 8 (TNT): Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday alleged that the BJP was attempting to disenfranchise citizens through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and demanded restoration of the voting rights of all eligible voters.

Speaking to media persons here, Reddy alleged that the BJP had been using divisive tactics based on religion, caste, region and language and had misused Central agencies to weaken the Opposition and institutions.

He alleged that the exercise could result in the removal of the voting rights of 13 crore or more citizens, describing it as one of the largest disenfranchisement exercises.

Reddy said the number of voters in the country had increased in every election since 1952, including the last three General Elections, but alleged that the total number of voters could decline in the next polls if the exercise continued.

He said the issue was not confined to the Congress or the INDIA alliance but concerned the future of the country and the right of every citizen to vote.

The Chief Minister said the Congress was formed to secure India’s Independence and ensure voting rights for citizens.

He alleged that if the government could take away people’s voting rights, other rights, including reservations and fundamental rights, could also be threatened.

Reddy demanded that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar be removed and the SIR exercise reversed, with the voting rights of all eligible citizens restored.

He said the people of India would stand up for their right to vote and asserted that the campaign to protect voting rights could not be stopped.

TNT KM