Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist), or CPI-ML, has strongly condemned a recent statement by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), in which he allegedly referred to the 2003 voter list as the basis for determining Indian citizenship. CPI-ML called the remark irresponsible and a clear violation of the constitutional limits of the Election Commission.
CPI-ML Rejects EC’s Role in Citizenship Matters
The party emphasized that under Part II of the Indian Constitution, which deals with citizenship, the Election Commission holds no authority to define, investigate, grant, or revoke citizenship. While the Election Commission may request documents for voter eligibility, determining or rejecting someone’s citizenship falls completely outside its jurisdiction, CPI-ML said.
Allegations of Bias and Impact on Marginalized Communities
CPI-ML accused the Election Commission of undermining its neutrality with such statements. It criticized the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Bihar, claiming it has failed to demonstrate the inclusion of any foreign nationals in the voter list. On the contrary, the process has made marginalized groups, migrant laborers, and the poor extremely vulnerable. The party added that many genuine voters, especially from tribal, landless, and displaced communities, were excluded from the voter list even after submitting applications.
Call for Accountability from the Election Commission
The party pointed out that states like Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha have seen large-scale displacements of Dalits and Adivasis due to development projects and mining. CPI-ML demanded that the CEC explain what steps the commission has taken to safeguard the voting rights of such vulnerable populations and ensure their continued inclusion in voter lists.
Demand to Respect Constitutional Boundaries
Concluding its statement, CPI-ML urged the Election Commission to remain within its constitutional mandate and protect the fundamental democratic right of voting.
