All Eligible Voters Will Be Included: Poll Body Chief On Bihar Rolls Row
Amid a row over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday said the exercise will ensure that all eligible people are included in the voters' list.
Gyanesh Kumar also said the revision being undertaken after a gap of 22 years is running as per schedule with the active participation of all political parties.
The CEC came out in defence of the intensive revision as several opposition parties claimed that the ongoing exercise will deprive many people of their constitutional right to vote.
Addressing a group of booth-level officers here, Kumar said the implementation of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar is running as per schedule with the active participation of all election staff and all political parties in a transparent manner.
"Despite apprehensions of some persons, SIR will ensure that all eligible people are included," the CEC said.
On Wednesday, leaders of several INDIA bloc parties met the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision and raised concerns over its timing, alleging that over two crore voters of Bihar may be disenfranchised by this mammoth exercise being done just ahead of assembly elections.
The EC will carry out an intensive review of electoral rolls this year in six states beginning with Bihar to weed out foreign illegal migrants by checking their place of birth.
Bihar is going to polls later this year while the assembly polls in five states -- Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal -- are scheduled in 2026.
The move, which would be later expanded to other states, assumes significance in the wake of a crackdown in various states on illegal foreign migrants, including from Bangladesh and Myanmar.
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Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
All eligible citizens will be included: CEC on voter list revision in Bihar
As opposition parties continue to raise concerns over the Special Intensive Revision, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Saturday said it is a general practice to update the voter list before every election as a part of the law. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at an event in UP's Firozabad on July 5. (Sourced) He also said the work for the Special Intensive Revision was going on with full transparency in Bihar. Replying to queries from reporters in Firozabad, where he came to attend a private event, Kumar said: 'As part of the law, before every election, the voter list needs to be updated. A detailed investigation of the voter list and all voter details was not conducted after January 1, 2003 although general revisions were undertaken. This is supposed to be a general practice.' 'Previously in 2002, the voter list had special intensive revision in Bihar for 31 days from July 15 to August 14 and this time, the process is on since June 24 and will end on July 25,' he added. 'After recently held elections, the Election Commission decided to coordinate with political parties and almost all political parties had outlined 'impurities' in the voter list and stressed the need to refine the voter list,' the CEC said. 'As such, this time in Bihar, within a month period of July and August, forms will be distributed and will also be taken back and work for this is on track,' he added. 'Nearly every political party complained about issues in the authenticity of the voter list, and demanded updates. More than 1 lakh booth-level officers are working on it with the support of all political parties. No ineligible person will be able to make it into this list,' the CEC told reporters. 'This time, we have informed about documents to be attached with the form and if they could not be submitted now, it could be done later as we have advanced technology these days,' Kumar said. 'If one talks about transparency and credibility of the Election Commission, we can assure that the voter list will be finalised with full transparency and all those entitled will be part of it and those undeserving will not find place therein,' he added. 'According to Article 326 of the Indian Constitution, there are eligibility criteria for being a voter which first requires that one should be a citizen of India and secondly he should not be less than 18 years of age. They can have their voter card made from the polling centre nearest to their place of residence they ordinarily reside,' the CEC said. Replying to a question regarding the offensive being launched by opposition parties against the Election Commission, the CEC said that the poll panel was in constant communication with the political parties. 'For the last four months, the Election Commission has been organising all party meetings and so is done at district level. The state election commissioners are also meeting political parties. In all, around 5,000 such meetings have been held wherein 28,000 leaders of various parties have attended them,' Kumar added. 'We continue meeting political parties and by now we have met 4 national parties and more than 4 state level parties. We continue meeting all party delegations coming to us on certain issues' he said. 'For the Election Commission, the main stakeholder is voter and then most important is political parties. Before criticising the EC, people should keep reading orders issued from time to time by us' the CEC added. 'Those in voter list, which was last revised 22 years ago in Bihar, are to be considered eligible voters and do not need to provide documents nor their wards will be required to give documents of their parents when becoming voters,' Kumar said.
NDTV
2 hours ago
- NDTV
PM Modi Honoured With 'Key To The City Of Buenos Aires' During Argentina Visit
Buenos Aires: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, was felicitated with the 'Key to the City of Buenos Aires', a symbolic ceremonial honour, during his official two-day state visit in Argentina, recognising his contribution in strengthening the ties between India and the South American country. "Honoured to receive the 'Key to the City of Buenos Aires' from Jorge Macri, Chief of the City Government of Buenos Aires," PM Modi wrote on his official X account. Honoured to receive the Key to the City of Buenos Aires from Mr. Jorge Macri, Chief of the City Government of Buenos Aires. @jorgemacri — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 5, 2025 "A symbol of trust & friendship. PM @narendramodi was presented with the 'Key to the City of Buenos Aires' by Mr. Jorge Macri, Head of the City Government of Buenos Aires, Argentina. This ceremonial honour is in recognition of PM's contributions in strengthening the India-Argentina ties," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a social media post on X. This visit by PM Modi was historic because it was the first time in 57 years that an Indian Prime Minister came to Argentina for bilateral talks. Hundreds of Indian community members cheered PM Modi outside his hotel, waving flags and dancing to Indian music. PM Modi's Argentina stop was part of a bigger five-country tour where he collected major awards. Before this, in Trinidad and Tobago, the Prime Minister received "The Order of the Republic", their highest civilian honour. He is the first foreign leader ever to receive it. During that visit, both countries signed six agreements to work more closely together. PM Modi thanked Trinidad for honouring him and said the award wasn't just for him but for all 1.4 billion Indians. Prior to receiving this honour, Prime Minister Modi also paid his tribute to the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires after concluding high delegation-level talks with Argentina's President Javier Milei. While paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi -- Father of the Nation of India here, the Prime Minister said that Gandhiji's timeless vision and noble ideals will always guide humanity and taking inspiration from him India is committed to build a just and compassionate world. "Paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in Buenos Aires. His timeless vision and noble ideals will always guide humanity. All over the world, the thoughts of Bapu reverberate. They give strength and hope to millions. Inspired by him, we reiterate our commitment to build a just and compassionate world," PM Modi said in a post on his official X account. "Homage to Bapu's timeless ideals of peace & non-violence. PM @narendramodi today paid respects at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Bapu's legacy remains an inspiration for many across the world," MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal said in a social media post on X. PM Modi also paid his homage to legendary poet Rabindranath Tagore here, saying that India takes immense pride in the contributions of Tagore toward its history and culture, adding that his focus on learning and education is highly motivational. "Paid homage to Gurudev Tagore in Buenos Aires. Gurudev Tagore had visited Argentina in 1924 and had left a lasting impression on the minds of many people in this nation, especially scholars and students. We in India take immense pride in the contributions of Gurudev Tagore to our nation's history and culture. His emphasis on learning and education is also very motivating." the Prime Minister said on his official X account. "Enhancing people to people ties & cultural understanding. PM @narendramodi paid tribute to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore in Buenos Aries, Argentina. Gurudev's legacy continues to resonate with people in Argentina, offering wisdom and guidance on various aspects of life," MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal said in another social media post on X. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi commenced his official visit to Argentina by offering his tribute to General Jose de San Martin, Argentina's Father of the Nation. The Prime Minister visited Plaza San Martin and laid a wreath at the memorial, the MEA said in a press statement. He paid respects to General Jose de San Martin, recognising his enduring legacy as the liberator of Argentina and several other South American nations, the MEA statement added. India cherishes his contribution and the values he stood for. "Paid homage to General Jose de San Martin in Buenos Aires. His courage and leadership played a pivotal role in Argentina's history. His life remains a symbol of patriotism and determination for the people of Argentina." PM Modi said on X. "Honouring the legacy of liberator and founding figure of Argentina. PM @narendramodi commenced his visit to Argentina with a solemn tribute at the memorial of General Jose de San Martin, Argentina's Father of the Nation," MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal wrote on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, held comprehensive delegation-level talks with Argentina's President Javier Milei, describing the meeting as "excellent", adding that both countries had made significant progress in further enhancing the bilateral ties. Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said: "Excellent meeting with President Javier Milei of Argentina. We celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Argentina and 5 years since we elevated our relationship to a Strategic Partnership. We have made significant progress in our bilateral relations, but we both agree that the path ahead is even more promising." During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to building an even stronger partnership. PM Modi noted that while substantial progress has been made, the future holds even greater promise for collaboration. "President Milei and I discussed how to diversify commercial ties, cooperation in agriculture, defence, security, energy, and more. There is a vast field of action in areas such as pharmaceuticals and sports," PM Modi wrote in another post on his official X account. The discussions focused on diversifying trade and enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, defence, energy, and security. After Argentina, PM Modi will join the BRICS summit in Brazil and then visit Namibia. PM Modi and President Milei agreed to boost cooperation in important areas during their talks. Argentina will supply lithium (a key mineral for electric car batteries) and shale gas to India. This helps India's energy security plans. Argentina has the world's second-largest shale gas reserves. PM Modi also asked for easier entry of affordable Indian medicines into Argentina. The leaders agreed to expand defence partnerships and trade between the countries. PM Modi even invited Milei to visit India soon, especially to see Gujarat's lion sanctuary PM Modi received a warm and enthusiastic welcome as he arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Friday, for a key bilateral visit—the third leg of his five-nation tour. Upon landing at Ezeiza International Airport, PM Modi was greeted by Argentine President Milei. The two leaders shared a heartfelt hug, reflecting the deepening friendship and strengthening strategic partnership between the two nations. Highlighting the need to broaden economic engagement, both leaders identified significant potential in emerging areas like pharmaceuticals and sports. PM Modi emphasised that these sectors represent untapped opportunities for mutual growth and innovation. The talks also underscored a shared commitment to leveraging each country's strengths to promote inclusive development and contribute more actively to the Global South. Soon after his arrival in Argentina, Prime Minister Modi paid homage at the iconic San Martin Memorial—an important symbol of national pride for the country. The monument honours General Jose de San Martin, the revered liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru, and stands as a tribute to Latin America's historic fight for independence. PM Modi's gesture underscored India's respect for global freedom fighters and its shared commitment to liberty and sovereignty. The meeting marked a pivotal moment in advancing India-Argentina ties on both strategic and people-to-people fronts. PM Modi's official visit, held at the invitation of President Milei, includes comprehensive bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in key areas such as defence, agriculture, mining, energy, trade, and people-to-people ties. The visit signifies India's strategic intent to deepen its partnership with Argentina and expand its presence in the Latin American region. Earlier on Friday, the Indian community in Buenos Aires extended a grand welcome to PM Modi outside his hotel. The atmosphere was filled with cultural pride as members of the community waved Indian flags, performed traditional dances, and chanted patriotic slogans like 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Modi-Modi". The Prime Minister warmly interacted with the crowd and expressed his appreciation for their love and support. Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, "Distance is no barrier when it comes to cultural connect! Honoured by the gracious welcome from the Indian community in Buenos Aires." He further shared his enthusiasm for the visit, adding, "Landed in Buenos Aires for a bilateral visit which will focus on augmenting relations with Argentina. I'm eager to be meeting President Javier Milei and holding detailed talks with him." The visit not only highlights India's growing global partnerships but also the emotional and cultural ties that unite Indians around the world.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Argentina visit: PM Modi receives 'key to city of Buenos Aires'; symbolic gesture of friendship, mutual trust
PM Modi receives key to the city of Buenos Aires from Jorge Macri, chief of the city government of Buenos Aires (Image credits: X @narendramodi) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the Key to the City of Buenos Aires on Saturday during his visit to Argentina- a symbolic honour signifying the friendship and mutual trust between India and Argentina. In a post on X, PM Modi said, 'It is an honor to receive the Key to the City of Buenos Aires from Mr. Jorge Macri, Head of Government of the City of Buenos Aires.' This visit marked the first bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Argentina in 57 years. PM Modi had previously visited the country in 2018 to attend the G20 Summit. He arrived at Ezeiza International Airport on Friday evening (local time) and was given a ceremonial welcome. During the visit, PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with Argentine President Javier Milei. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in key areas such as defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade, and investment. PM Modi called his Argentina visit 'productive,' expressing confidence that his talks with President Milei would give a strong boost to India-Argentina ties. 'My visit to Argentina has been a productive one. I am confident that our discussions will add significant momentum to our bilateral friendship and fulfil the strong potential that exists,' PM Modi posted on X, thanking President Milei, the Argentine government, and its people for their warm welcome. During the meeting, the two leaders explored ways to expand cooperation in key sectors such as trade, agriculture, defence, energy, and security. PM Modi also highlighted new opportunities in pharmaceuticals and sports. While in Buenos Aires, PM Modi paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore. Argentina was the third stop on PM Modi's five-nation tour. Earlier, he visited Trinidad and Tobago, where he was awarded the Order of the Republic -- the nation's highest civilian honour. The Prime Minister has now arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he will attend the Brics Summit, the fourth leg of his ongoing trip.
