Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has raised concerns over the safety of voting rights in India, urging that the right to vote be granted the status of a fundamental right while accusing Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of bias.
Allegations Against Election Commission Leadership
Ramesh alleged that the Election Commission under Gyanesh Kumar is no longer acting as a neutral body but as an active participant in the political process. He cited the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists and other decisions as evidence of alleged bias, claiming the institution has never appeared so compromised before.
Opposition Plans Parliamentary Action
He stated that the opposition has submitted notices in Parliament seeking the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner and will continue to do so if rejected. According to him, repeated efforts will be made to hold the Commission accountable.
Call to Make Voting a Fundamental Right
Ramesh argued that making voting a fundamental right would allow citizens to seek judicial remedy if their electoral rights are threatened. He recalled that the idea had been debated during the Constituent Assembly discussions, with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar supporting the proposal.
