The Indian National Congress has launched a significant political offensive against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, announcing a major protest rally in Delhi and issuing urgent directives to its state units regarding booth-level preparations.
Congress Announces Major Delhi Protest
The party leadership has confirmed plans for a substantial protest demonstration at Delhi's historic Ramlila Maidan during the first week of December. This organized public gathering aims to voice strong opposition to the ongoing SIR exercise that covers nine states and three Union Territories.
Senior Congress leaders including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal collectively addressed this strategic decision during a crucial meeting held at the party headquarters on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
Urgent Directive on Booth Level Agents
During the high-level meeting, Congress leadership emphasized the critical need for immediate appointment of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) across all constituencies affected by the SIR exercise. The party instructed state units to complete this process in a time-bound manner to ensure comprehensive ground-level presence.
Alarming reports emerged during discussions, particularly regarding Uttar Pradesh where only one-third of the required BLAs are currently in position. With the December 4 deadline for enumeration completion approaching rapidly, the party leadership stressed the urgency of addressing this preparedness gap.
Opposition Accusations and Concerns
K C Venugopal, following the meeting, made serious allegations against the Election Commission, claiming the SIR exercise represents a sinister attempt to destroy democracy in the country. He asserted that the Delhi protest rally would serve to expose the EC again for its handling of the electoral revision process.
The Congress leader highlighted specific concerns, stating that state units普遍 feel the Election Commission is purposely trying to delete votes of some sections of society, drawing parallels with similar concerns previously raised during the SIR exercise in Bihar.
Venugopal also referenced the recent Kerala Assembly resolution that sought postponement of the SIR exercise and questioned the necessity of the revision when all political parties except the BJP oppose it. He further expressed concerns about the welfare of Booth Level Officers, citing recent tragic instances of suicide among BLOs.
This marks the second major street protest by Congress against the SIR, following their strong opposition to the exercise in Bihar. The united Opposition had previously registered their protest during the Monsoon session of Parliament in August, indicating escalating political tensions over electoral processes.
