Playing with the preamble: A long-running project
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India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
ECI discusses issues related to Special Intensive Revision in Bihar with 11 political parties
New Delhi [India], July 2 (ANI): The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday met with representatives from various political parties to discuss concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The SIR aims to verify the eligibility of voters and ensure accurate electoral rolls ahead of the assembly elections expected to be held later this year. Representatives of 11 political parties met with the Election Commission, including Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar along with other Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu Vivek Joshi at Nirvachan Sadan. 'Representatives of various political parties(PPs) met Election Commission comprising CEC Sh Gyanesh Kumar along with ECs Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi at ECI, New Delhi, today to discuss the issues related to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar,' the Commission posted on X. The Election Commission is currently conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar, ahead of the Assembly elections which are expected to held later this year. The opposition parties has raised alarm over the exercise, claiming that it will be used to disenfranchise voters. The ECI stated that the SIR is being conducted in accordance with Article 326 of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act 1950, to identify ineligible voters and ensure no eligible voter is left out. 'Commission stated that SIR is being conducted in accordance with provisions of Article 326, RP Act 1950 & instructions issued on 24.06.2025 Party representatives raised concerns related to SIR. Each concern which was raised by any member of PP was fully addressed by Commission,' the post added. Opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), expressed concerns that the SIR might be used to disenfranchise voters, particularly the poor and marginalized. According to the EC, certain members had a prior appointment with the poll panel and some had come unannounced, however the Commission allowed two representatives from every party for a meeting. 'Some of the participants were given an appointment and others were allowed to join in without any prior appointment as Commission decided to meet two representatives from every party so as to listen to all views,' read the ECI's post. The ECI assured that the SIR would be conducted transparently and fairly, with measures in place to assist vulnerable groups, such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and the economically vulnerable. A group of 18 leaders from 11 political parties met with the Election Commissioners regarding the upcoming Bihar elections. The exercise has faced heavy criticism from the opposition. The SIR involves house-to-house verification, online submission of forms, and assistance from Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and volunteers Earlier today, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav claimed the SIR exercise is being used to help the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) win the upcoming Bihar polls by denying poor people their right to vote. The RJD leader also claimed that the Narendra Modi-led Centre will impose President's rule in the state to consolidate power. 'Two days after the (SIR) notification itself, we have asked the Election Commission that our mahagathbandan, the alliance, wants to meet with you, a delegation wants to meet with you. The RJD leader also claimed that voting rights being allegedly taken away is just the first step, with the BJP coming for people's pensions and rations later on. 'It looks like the Election Commission has become Modi's, BJP's Commission, and BJP, Nitish Kumar is silent on this. They are losing the elections by votes so EC is helping them from the back. When they lose, first they cut votes of poor, then pension, after that ration. Modi ji will eat all that up. Voting is a right in a Constitutional democracy, and that too you are taking that way,' he added. The Bihar assembly elections are scheduled to take place at the end of this year, with the SIR exercise notified on June 24. (ANI)
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
Delhi Minister Manjinder Sirsa writes to ECI, alleges AAP's
New Delhi [India], July 2 (ANI): Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, on Wednesday, wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, alleging Aam Aadmi Party's open support to illegal Rohingya & Bangladeshi immigrants. 'From legitimising encroachments to provoking anarchy, Arvind Kejriwal is playing with Delhi's safety and India's sovereignty,' Sirsa wrote on X, sharing the letter. In his letter, Manjinder Sirsa said that the efforts of the Aam Aadmi Party to protect illegal immigrants and thus attack this very idea of Citizenship are nothing but a travesty of the Constitution of India and a betrayal of the hopes and aspirations of the citizens of this great nation. 'As proof of my statement, I would like to draw your attention to the activity of the AAP, which recently organised a protest at Jantar Mantar in open support of illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslims residing in Delhi, opposing all lawful efforts to identify and remove such illegal entrants from the national capital. This action has caused serious concern among responsible citizens,' Sirsa said. He alleged further that by backing these illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslims, the AAP is deliberately obstructing lawful procedures meant to protect national security, internal security and the Constitution. 'It is also endangering the safety and dignity of Delhi's daughters and women. Their actions seem more focused on political appeasement and show their total disregard for the Constitution of India and are devoid of even an iota of care towards the true citizens of our great country,' Manjinder Sirsa said. 'It is also important to highlight that Arvind Kejriwal himself had earlier facilitated these illegal settlements by providing them with jhuggis and promising Rs 10,000 per month assistance. Now, when steps are being taken to remove these unauthorised occupants, AAP is once again creating a narrative in their favour, against the interest of real residents of Delhi and citizens of this country,' Sirsa said in his letter to the Election Commission. Sirsa urged the CEC Gyanesh Kumar to take immediate cognisance of AAP's repeated and deliberate violations. 'Therefore, I urge the Election Commission of India to take immediate cognisance of these repeated and deliberate violations and initiate steps against the Aam Aadmi Party under provisions applicable to political parties promoting divisiveness, threatening national unity, encouraging illegal activities, and engaging in unconstitutional activities,' the Delhi Minister said. (ANI)
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Sena MLC terms promotion of constitution, environment to ‘urban naxal' activities
As the state legislature is set to discuss the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill in the coming days that is learnt to be tough on 'urban naxals', a ruling party legislator on Wednesday alleged 'such elements are participating in Pandharpur wari' — an annual pilgrimage in Maharashtra. Raising the point of information in the Legislative Council, Shiv Sena MLC Manisha Kayande termed 'people walking with the Constitution on their heads, promoting environmental awareness and atheist cultural groups as urban naxals'. 'I want to seek the attention of the state government towards the serious issue that atheist people and their organisations participated in Wari in the name of awareness about the Constitution of India and environment by organising 'Constitution dindi' (group of people), environment dindi etc. These 'urban naxals' who do not believe in god are spreading their ideology in the Wari and organising speeches, streetplays etc,' Kayande said. She said the proposed Bill is meant to curb 'urban naxal' activities and demanded the government take action against the groups. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the state government has taken serious note of the issue and will act on the matter. 'Entry of 'urban naxals' in the tradition of Pandharpur Wari is a serious matter. We will take appropriate action,' Shinde said.
