BJP defends ECI's directive on burqa-clad voters, slams SP for calling it 'undemocratic'

BJP defends ECI's directive on burqa-clad voters, slams SP for calling it 'undemocratic'

Lucknow: Following the Election Commission of India (ECI) directive concerning the identification of burqa-clad women voters, the decision has sparked controversy as the Samajwadi Party (SP) has said that it undermines transparent, free, and fair elections. However, the BJP has defended the decision. According to the Election Commission, Anganwadi workers will be deployed at polling booths to assist in verifying the identity of burqa-clad women voters. The directive, however, has drawn sharp criticism from the SP, which has urged the ECI to immediately withdraw the order, terming it discriminatory and unconstitutional.

SP's Uttar Pradesh president Shyam Lal Pal submitted a memorandum to the state's Chief Electoral Officer, addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, asserting that the directive violates existing ECI rules and unfairly targets a specific community. "The Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has issued a new directive contrary to the Election Commission of India's rules, raising questions about the Commission's impartiality and transparency. This new rule targets voters of a particular community in the country; it is undemocratic and unconstitutional. The Election Commission's decision is wrong; the new directive targets a particular community," Pal said in the memorandum.

Reacting to SP's criticism, Uttar Pradesh Minister Anil Rajbhar hit back, accusing the party of politicising the issue for vote-bank gains. "Why are you worried? Is your politics dependent on bogus voters? What exactly concerns you? The identity of every voter who goes to vote must be verified. If the Election Commission wants to implement such a system, who should object? If the voter is a woman, a female official will verify her identity, so what's the problem?" Rajbhar told IANS.

"They get upset only when action is taken against infiltrators. The ECI is trying to get the bogus voter removed from the voter list through SIR, and they have a problem with that, also. Very soon, the public is going to give them a befitting reply," he added. Supporting the SP's stance, party MP Awdesh Prasad said, "I support the decision to write to the ECI demanding the withdrawal of those rules."

Read More Two Killed, Three Injured as Hyderabad–Gorakhpur Coach Collides with Lorry in Adilabad

Tags:

About The Author

Aryan Age Picture

Welcome to Aryan Age, an English newspaper that has been serving readers since 2011 from Delhi. With a loyal circulation of over 19,000, we are dedicated to providing our readers with the latest news and information, as well as insightful analysis and commentary that help them navigate the complex and rapidly changing world.

Post Comment

Comment List

Latest News

India’s export policy sends positive signal to trading partners in Southeast Asia: Report India’s export policy sends positive signal to trading partners in Southeast Asia: Report
The government’s approval of a Rs 45,000 crore ($5 billion) export support package has sent a positive signal that India...
Refund in full progress, set to operate 1,650 flights today: IndiGo
EAM Jaishankar discusses bilateral ties, evolving world order at India-Japan Forum

Live Cricket Score

Advertisement

Science & Tech

Global outage hits Cloudflare again, disrupting major websites Global outage hits Cloudflare again, disrupting major websites
Users worldwide were left grappling with widespread internet disruptions on Friday after Cloudflare — a range of internet services provider...
India's smartphone exports to US jump over 300 pc in October

Health

India needs more skilled surgeons for revision knee, hip replacement surgeries, say experts India needs more skilled surgeons for revision knee, hip replacement surgeries, say experts
With a rise in the ageing population in India and failing artificial joints, the demand for skilled surgeons for revision...
India can help tackle digital inequality, build an inclusive AI future for world: UNDP

Lifestyle

Last full moon of 2025 tonight: Margashirsha Purnima rituals for wealth and harmony Last full moon of 2025 tonight: Margashirsha Purnima rituals for wealth and harmony
Purnima, the full moon day, is of great significance in Hinduism. It is the day when Hindus pray to the...
International Cheetah Day 2025: 7 wildlife safaris around the world for big-cat lovers
crossorigin="anonymous">