Abdullah slams EC’s special voter list drive in Bihar, calls it unconstitutional

Suhail Bhat

Srinagar, July 8: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah today strongly criticized the Election Commission’s decision to carry out a special intensive revision of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, calling it unconstitutional and aimed at pleasing their masters.

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Speaking at a party function in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district, Abdullah questioned the timing and intent behind the move, saying, “There is an election in Bihar, and today the Election Commission has issued its own order-you have to come up with a new voting list. You have been managing this process for years, but now a new directive has been unexpectedly issued. Why?”
He raised concerns over the exclusion of migrant workers, saying, “More than 1 to 1.5 crore people from Bihar are working outside the state. Where will they vote from? Where will they get their documents and photographs from? Those whose parents have died-where will they get their certificates?”
Referring to India’s constitutional values, he said, “When Dr. Ambedkar drafted the Constitution, everyone had the right to vote. Later, an amendment gave voting rights to 18-year-olds. But today, a new constitution is being made-one that goes against the original.”
Abdullah alleged that the Election Commission’s actions were politically motivated. “They are sitting silently because they have to please their masters,” he said, without naming anyone specifically.
When asked about NC’s stand on the July 13 martyrs, he reiterated, “We have always respected them. They sacrificed their lives to free Jammu and Kashmir, and we continue to honor their memory.”
Calling on the people of India to stay vigilant, he warned that undermining democratic rights could spark widespread agitation. “If this continues, things could get worse, just like they did during earlier protests in the country,” he said. He added, “May God give them wisdom and protect the people of India.”

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