CPI(ML) Central Leadership Rejects Election Commission's Voters' Rights Day as 'Sham'
The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) has made a significant political decision to abstain from the Election Commission of India's observance of January 25 as 'Matdata Adhikar Diwas' or Voters' Rights Day. The party's central leadership has categorically described the event as a "sham" and instead announced its own nationwide protest program.
Nationwide Alternative Program Announced
Instead of participating in the Election Commission's program, CPI(ML) will conduct its own 'Samvidhan Sankalp – Matadhikar Raksha Diwas' at district headquarters across the country, including throughout Bihar. This alternative observance is scheduled for January 24, one day ahead of Republic Day celebrations.
Allegations of Voter Suppression Through SIR Process
Bihar CPI(ML) secretary Kunal articulated the party's strong objections, stating: "In the name of special intensive revision (SIR) of electors, the names of crores of voters are being arbitrarily deleted from the electoral rolls. This is a direct assault on democracy and the Constitution."
Kunal further emphasized that the Election Commission's call to celebrate Voters' Rights Day under these circumstances was equivalent to "adding salt to the wound" for affected citizens.
Political Context and Government Backing
The party leadership noted that the Election Commission's campaign for Voters' Rights Day enjoys the backing of both central and state governments, with political parties across the spectrum having received invitations to participate. Despite this broad institutional support, CPI(ML) has taken a firm stand of non-participation.
"Our central party leadership has decided not to participate in it," Kunal confirmed, highlighting the party's principled opposition to what it perceives as democratic erosion.
Core Principles and Constitutional Resolve
The CPI(ML) program is centered on upholding constitutional principles and protecting voters' rights against what the party describes as systematic undermining. Kunal elaborated on the philosophical foundation of their protest: "The right to vote is not something given to voters out of pity, nor is it a matter of any formal celebration, but reflects the basic rights of citizens."
Targeted Impact on Vulnerable Communities
The party specifically highlighted concerns about how the Special Intensive Revision process disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Kunal warned: "A conspiracy is underway to deprive the poor, deprived, minority sections and migrant workers through the SIR drive. It has to be defeated at any cost."
This strong language underscores the party's view that current electoral roll revisions represent more than administrative adjustments—they constitute what CPI(ML) characterizes as a deliberate attack on fundamental democratic rights that requires determined resistance.
