Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak delivered a powerful address on Friday, framing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as a matter of profound national importance. Speaking in Lucknow, he drew compelling parallels between this administrative exercise and the spiritually significant practices of yoga and bathing in the Ganga.
A Symposium on Democratic Cleanliness
The occasion was a symposium titled "Special Intensive Revision: A National Necessity", organized by the Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Adhivakta Milan of the Lucknow bench of the High Court to mark Advocates' Day. As the chief guest, Pathak articulated a vision where the health of democracy is maintained with the same diligence as personal well-being.
"Just as yoga is indispensable for safeguarding the body, SIR is crucial for ensuring the cleanliness and purity of India's democratic system," Pathak stated. He further elaborated that just as people visit the Ganga for inner purification, democracy also requires periodic and transparent cleansing through the revision of voter lists.
Learning from the Past, Ensuring Honesty Now
Pathak provided historical context, recalling that a similar intensive revision campaign was attempted in 2003. He claimed that effort did not succeed due to alleged collusion between the government of that time and external voters. In a pointed remark, he suggested that the current opposition's objections stem from the fact that the present exercise is being conducted with complete honesty and transparency, leaving no room for manipulation.
Highlighting recent electoral success, the Deputy CM pointed to the Bihar elections, where over 65 lakh voters participated without a single untoward incident. He presented this as concrete evidence of the strength and reliability of India's evolving electoral system.
Tributes and a Call for Inspired Action
During his speech, Pathak also paid rich tributes to India's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad. He urged citizens, especially those in the legal fraternity, to draw inspiration from Prasad's principled life and commitment to the nation's democratic foundations.
Pathak's core message was a call for collective responsibility: "Just as we take care of our physical health, we must also protect the purity and integrity of our democracy." He positioned the SIR not merely as bureaucratic duty but as a civic sacrament essential for the nation's spiritual and functional well-being.
