Voter List Revision: In a significant development, the Supreme Court has provided relief to the National Election Commission in the voter list revision case. The court has not issued a stay on the voter list amendment, stating that the democratic process cannot be halted, and the revision of the voter list in Bihar will continue as planned.
The Supreme Court advised the Election Commission to consider Aadhaar cards, voter cards, and ration cards as valid identity proofs for the revision process. This ruling has elicited mixed reactions from various political parties.
Arguments of the Petitioners
Lawyers representing the petitioners argued that the Election Commission was not accepting Aadhaar cards and EPIC cards, which could potentially disenfranchise valid voters. They also raised concerns about the feasibility of completing such an intensive revision process within a month. According to them, rushing the voter list revision could lead to the omission of many eligible citizens, thereby compromising the fairness of the electoral process.
Election Commission’s Stance
Representing the Election Commission, Rakesh Dwivedi stated that the special intensive revision is being carried out in accordance with legal provisions. He also assured the court that the Election Commission would provide regular updates to the Supreme Court on the number of people included in the voter list within the specified timeframe. The Commission is committed to maintaining the transparency of its work and ensuring that no eligible voter is left out.
Political Reactions
Trinamool Congress (TMC):
TMC leader Tanmoy Ghosh welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision not to stay the revision but emphasized the importance of considering Aadhaar, voter, and ration cards as identity proofs. He suggested that the Election Commission’s initial stance against these documents was a “conspiracy” to remove voters and benefit the BJP, and that such actions could be an attempt to influence the electoral process.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):
BJP leader Jagannath Chatterjee stated that the Election Commission would consider the Supreme Court’s observations. He clarified that Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship but rather of residency. He further explained how the 2003 cut-off date for voter registration would resolve issues for 95% of West Bengal’s population, and that this step would help in making the electoral process more transparent and error-free.
Overall, the Supreme Court’s ruling has opened up a new chapter in the debate over the voter list revision process. It remains to be seen how the Election Commission will implement the court’s suggestions and what steps the political parties will take in this regard.
