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Key Points

The Election Commission's voter verification process in West Bengal has sparked intense political debate. BJP leader Jagdambika Pal strongly supports the Special Summary Revision, arguing that only genuine Indian citizens should be on voter lists. He specifically highlights concerns about illegal immigrants potentially being registered as voters in border states. The move has been met with resistance from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who claims the verification process is unfair.

Key Points: Jagdambika Pal Defends Voter Verification in Bengal Elections

  • BJP supports transparent voter list verification process
  • Concerns raised about illegal immigrants in electoral rolls
  • Election Commission initiates Special Summary Revision in West Bengal
  • Mamata Banerjee opposes voter verification drive
2 min read

Only Indian citizens have right to vote: Jagdambika Pal backs voter verification in Bengal

BJP leader backs Election Commission's voter roll revision, challenges illegal voting in border states amid political controversy

"Only Indian citizens have the constitutional right to vote - Jagdambika Pal, BJP Leader"

New Delhi, Aug 6

Backing the Election Commission's decision to begin a Special Summary Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in West Bengal, senior BJP leader Jagdambika Pal said that only Indian citizens have the constitutional right to vote, and those living illegally must not be included in the voter list.

Speaking to IANS, Pal said the Election Commission is fulfilling its constitutional duty to ensure free and fair elections through a transparent electoral roll, similar to the process already conducted in Bihar.

"Just like in Bihar, the Election Commission will now carry out voter verification in West Bengal. The Commission works to ensure that elections are conducted fairly and transparently. Those who have turned 18 and are eligible should be added to the voter list. If someone has died, their name is removed. If someone has been transferred or has migrated, changes are made accordingly," Pal told IANS.

Pal raised serious concerns about illegal voters being added to the list, particularly in border states.

"If someone is a Rohingya, Bangladeshi, or a Nepali living illegally and has managed to get an Aadhaar or ID card, they end up being listed as voters. This has happened on a large scale in Bihar and Bengal," he claimed.

He lashed out at the opposition parties for disrupting Parliament over the EC's actions, asking, "Why are you not allowing Parliament to function? The Election Commission is only doing its job. If someone's name is wrongly deleted, it can be corrected. But you're fighting in the streets and misleading people. Do you want to protect illegal voters?"

"Earlier, they used to blame EVMs. Now they're targeting the voter list," Pal said, accusing the opposition of double standards and fearing electoral loss if illegal voters are removed.

Pal's statement comes after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her disagreement with the SIR. On Tuesday, she alleged that the SIR has been planned by the Centre, keeping the Election Commission with it.

"We do not agree with it," she said, adding that everyone can't preserve parents' birth certificates for the exercise.

The Election Commission has written to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, instructing the start of the Special Verification process.

In Bihar, the SIR process is nearing completion, with a draft voter list already released on August 1.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I agree only citizens should vote, why single out Bengal? This verification should happen nationwide. Also, asking for parents' birth certificates is too much - many poor people don't have such documents.
R
Rohit P
Mamata didi is just scared her vote bank will be affected 😂 Everyone knows what's been happening in Bengal. EC should conduct verification properly without political pressure. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
As an NRI, I fully support this move. The sanctity of Indian democracy must be protected. But the process should be transparent and not used to harass genuine citizens. Balance is key.
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Kavya N
This is becoming political football. Both sides have valid points but are exaggerating. EC should work independently without BJP or TMC interference. Let's focus on clean electoral rolls, not politics.
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Vikram M
Why is Mamata opposing this? Only genuine Indian citizens should vote. We've seen how fake voters can change election results. EC's Bihar verification was smooth - Bengal should cooperate too.

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