Sivaganga (Tamil Nadu), Sep 28 (PTI) Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday dismissed claims that alleged voter deletions were responsible for the TVK’s victory or the DMK’s defeat in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, asserting that while deletions were wrong, he did not see them as the cause of the electoral outcome.
Addressing reporters in Karaikudi, the former union minister stated that those names removed should have been retained on the rolls and the opposition party must prove its allegations regarding the scale of vote manipulation.
“They (ECI) have removed them (voters). That is wrong. Those names should have been included. But it is not apparent to me that TVK won and DMK lost only because of that… I do not know to what extent vote theft happened in Tamil Nadu,” he said.
Turning to the nationwide controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, Chidambaram said the opposition’s next course of action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, including approaching the Supreme Court or moving a removal resolution in Parliament, will be finalised at upcoming meetings of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) and the INDIA bloc if the CEC does not step down.
His remarks came amid a report of differences within the three-member Election Commission over several decisions and instructions relating to electoral-roll revision, deletion and addition of names, changes to forms for new voters and access to voter data.
However, the EC has asserted that differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberations in any institution and all its orders carry full legal sanction and follow established statutory procedures.
“There is a case in the Supreme Court. When Parliament convenes, a resolution seeking his removal could be brought. All that, I cannot decide alone. The Congress Working Committee is meeting tomorrow, and they will take a decision. After that, the INDIA bloc meeting will take place in two or three days, where decisions will be taken,” Chidambaram said.
The Congress leader reiterated the demand raised by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi seeking Kumar’s resignation, registration of an FIR, and his arrest.
He noted that demonstrations were held across the country on Monday, including in Karaikudi, following the expiry of a deadline set for the CEC to step down.
Questioning the internal procedures adopted for the revision drive, the senior Congress leader alleged an absence of official files and consensus among the three Election Commissioners.
“Shouldn’t there be a decision on record? All three commissioners should have sat together and recorded on file that an FIR would be conducted across the country, starting first with Bihar. But it is said there is no file at all. I think all these aspects will come up in the court case. If there is neither a file nor a formal decision, how can this be correct,” he asked.
Chidambaram categorically ruled out holding fresh polls in seats that have already voted.
“Re-elections cannot be conducted. There is no constitutional provision for re-election. But this must be rectified to the extent possible,” he said.
Outlining the opposition’s key demands, he said the SIR drive must be halted immediately in other states and around 13 crore names allegedly deleted across 20 states must be reinstated.
“Earlier, electoral rolls were revised every year on the first day of January. If someone passed away, their names are removed, and new eligible voters are enrolled. That kind of revision or updation can take place. But deleting around 13 crore people en masse has happened in 20 states alone. A large chunk of voters have been deleted in key states like Bihar, Maharashtra, Haryana, and West Bengal. They must be included,” he claimed.
Asked about the differing participation of INDIA bloc constituents, Chidambaram noted that parties, including the CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML), and the Trinamool Congress were actively spearheading demonstrations within their respective spheres of influence, while the Congress was addressing the issue at an all-India level.
Later, in a ‘X’ post, Chidambaram alleged that 13.30 crore names have been removed from the electoral rolls.
He stated that Congress Party workers across the country protested against the ‘vote chori’ (vote theft) of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and specifically against CEC Kumar.
Chidambaram noted that he participated in the protests in Karaikudi, observing great resonance among the people and anger directed at the ECI.
Drawing on experience and precedent from West Bengal, Chidambaram claimed that if these removed individuals appealed to a Tribunal, 91 per cent of the appeals are likely to be allowed, resulting in the restoration of their names to the electoral rolls.
He asserted that the ECI must bear sole responsibility and blame for this “illegal mass disenfranchisement.”
Chidambaram urged that ways and means must be explored to provide redress to the victims. PTI JR KH
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