Patna: The CPI(ML) central leadership has decided not to participate in the observance of Jan 25 as ‘Matdata Adhikar Diwas (Voters’ Rights Day)’ organised by the Election Commission of India (ECI), describing it as a “sham”. Instead, the party will hold its own ‘Samvidhan Sankalp – Matadhikar Raksha Diwas’ at district headquarters across the country, including in Bihar.“In the name of special intensive revision (SIR) of electors, the names of crores of voters are being arbitrarily deleted from the electoral rolls. This is a direct assault on democracy and the Constitution,” Bihar CPI(ML) secretary Kunal alleged. He added that the ECI’s call to celebrate Voters’ Rights Day under such circumstances was akin to “adding salt to the wound”.He said the ECI’s campaign for Voters’ Rights Day has the backing of the central and state govts, and political parties have also been invited to participate. “Our central party leadership has decided not to participate in it,” Kunal said.Accordingly, CPI(ML) will conduct its own programmes at district headquarters across the country a day ahead of Republic Day, centred on upholding its constitutional resolve to protect voters’ rights. The programme is aimed at protesting what the party described as the trampling of democracy and the Constitution through the SIR process, under which voter names are being deleted.“The right to vote is not something given to voters out of pity, nor is it a matter of any formal celebration, but reflects the basic rights of citizens. A conspiracy is underway to deprive the poor, deprived, minority sections and migrant workers through the SIR drive. It has to be defeated at any cost,” Kunal said.
