On Friday, a resolution was passed on a unanimous vote in the Punjab Assembly to ensure the rights of eligible voters are protected, and investigatory measures are taken against any discrepancies in electoral lists during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
The resolution called upon the Union Government and competent constitutional bodies to make mairting no eligible citizen to cast their votes through such resolution undertaken by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. The problem has become political, now as the province of Punjab holds its next assembly election.
Cheema Raises Concerns Over Voter Exclusion
House Speaker Cheema urged in the house of Assembly that the right to vote is an integral part of India’s democratic system. The constitutionality was challenged under the articles that discuss the powers of the Election Commission, the principle of adult suffrage and the amendment non-discrimination in electoral rolls, namely, article 324, 325 and 326 of the Constitution.
The minister asked about accusations of omitting eligible voters in electoral roll updates and of big numbers of votes getting erased. He advocated an impartial and neutral process for investigating grievances, holding persons accountable, and reviewing possible violations.
Cheema also mentioned the issues with the electoral roll in certain states and in the National Capital, suggesting that the accusations of selective action against opposition candidates and the ones from the marginalised community needed unbiased investigations. Evidence-based attribution of criminal liability, and lawful response are the only means by which this is to be achieved, he said.
Resolution is to be given further scrutiny.
Ironically, Punjab legislators from both sides were unanimous in wanting protections put into place. But its transgression cannot prove the voter exclusion allegations alone.
The resolution is to be copied to the President for consideration and action as well as for Prime Minister and Chief Election Commissioner.
In light of the upcoming Assembly polls, the resolution has brought the issue of the accuracy of the electoral rolls and inclusion of voters to the fore in Punjab. Now the question is whether the concerns raised result in further investigation and tangible steps which help to safeguard the vote of every eligible citizen’s voting rights.