Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Monday accused opposition parties of targeting Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the Election Commission whenever they lose elections or fail to receive public support.
Addressing a press conference, Dr Saha said differences of opinion within the Election Commission should not be viewed as a threat to democracy. He said discussions and disagreements among constitutional functionaries are part of a healthy democratic system, particularly when decisions are eventually reached through consensus.
Referring to recent questions over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Dr Saha said the Election Commission had clarified its decision through the signatures of all three commissioners, including the Chief Election Commissioner.
He said the SIR was aimed at preparing a transparent and accurate electoral roll by identifying and removing ineligible entries, including names of deceased or permanently shifted voters and other persons found ineligible under the law.
“The purpose of SIR is to ensure a transparent and accurate electoral roll,” Dr Saha said, adding that removal of a name from the electoral roll does not by itself amount to cancellation of Indian citizenship and that eligible persons have avenues available under the applicable procedure.
The Chief Minister alleged that opposition parties, particularly the INDIA bloc, were attempting to undermine public confidence in constitutional institutions. However, he clarified that he was not speaking on behalf of the Election Commission but was responding politically to what he described as “propaganda”.
Citing elections in West Bengal and Kerala, Dr Saha argued that opposition parties had raised questions about the Election Commission in situations where electoral outcomes went against them, while similar concerns were not raised when they won.
“Whenever opposition parties lose elections or do not get the support of the people, they blame the EVMs or the Election Commission. It has become a habit for them,” he said.
Dr Saha further asserted that the Election Commission was functioning neutrally, systematically and in accordance with the law.
