Giriraj Singh targets oppn, says those questioning Bihar SIR lack constitutional knowledge
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Union minister Giriraj Singh on Monday countered the opposition's objections to the Election Commission 's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar electoral rolls , saying those questioning it lack basic constitutional knowledge and seem more concerned about foreign nationals than Indian voters.Speaking to reporters outside Parliament here, Singh said the Election Commission (EC) is doing its duty and asked why should this make anyone uncomfortable."I think those raising such questions should have some understanding of the Constitution. The Election Commission is simply doing what the Constitution mandates," he said.After 22 years, the EC is carrying out SIR in Bihar to weed out ineligible people from the electoral rolls and to ensure that all eligible citizens are included in the list. It will also help remove duplicate entries of voters who have enrolled themselves in multiple places, according to the poll body.The opposition, however, has claimed that the exercise will disenfranchise crores of eligible people who fail to produce relevant documents.Dismissing these fears, Singh said the EC is only performing its constitutional duty.He said, "They (EC) have asked for just two things: whether the person is an Indian citizen or not, and whether the documents are genuine or fake. Why is that making anyone uncomfortable?""Are they (opposition leaders) worried about foreigners? Whether it is Rohingyas or Bangladeshis, is that where their concern lies? Such people cannot be called patriots," the minister said.Asked about the opposition's assertion that even constitutional institutions can be questioned, Singh said, "They can ask questions, but one should at least have enough knowledge to know that only an Indian citizen has the right to vote. If someone is not (an Indian citizen), their name will be removed. Why are they restless about this?" PTI UZM DIV DIV DIV
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