Kulgam, Jul 08: National Conference (NC) president, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday criticised the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) decision to initiate a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, calling it “unconstitutional” and a move that may cause hardships for over 1.5 crore Biharis working outside the state in filling enrollment forms.Addressing a gathering in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on the 19th death anniversary of party leader Ghulam Nabi Dar, Dr Abdullah said the new directive by the ECI asking for a fresh voter list revision for the Bihar elections will lead to difficulties for Biharis working outside their state.“You tell me—more than 1.5 crore Biharis work outside the state. From where will they vote? Where will they fill the form? Where will they bring photos? And how will they arrange the certificates of their deceased parents?” he asked.The ECI’s decision has sparked political controversy, with various parties alleging it could exclude legitimate voters from participating in the electoral process.The NC chief further said that when the Constitution was framed, every citizen had the right to vote. “When Dr B. R. Ambedkar made the law, everyone had the right to vote. Later, it was amended to allow 18-year-olds to vote. But today, they have brought a new law, which is against the Constitution,” he said.He added, “They are willing to sacrifice everything just to please their masters. Wake up! This is unfortunate and unacceptable to the people of India,” he said, warning that the move could lead to agitation.””If they go ahead with it, it will spark agitations. It could be even more difficult for them this time,” Dr Farooq said. “May Allah grant them wisdom, and may they be able to defend the Constitution.”Responding to a question on the National Conference’s stance regarding the “July 13 Martyrs”, the former chief minister said, “We have always respected them, and we continue to do so. They sacrificed their blood for Kashmir.”
