Scrap SIR, Remove Gyanesh Kumar, Bring Back Ballot Papers
INDIA Bloc, Progressive Groups Stage ‘Save Democracy March’ in Pimpri-Chinchwad
Pimpri-Chinchwad : The Pimpri-Chinchwad INDIA bloc, civil society groups and progressive and social organisations organised a ‘Save Democracy March’ on Wednesday, demanding the scrapping of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and elections through ballot papers.
The march began at Vitthal Temple in Akurdi Gaon and proceeded towards the Tehsildar’s office at Nigdi. A large number of citizens, social activists, office-bearers of various organisations and supporters of democratic and progressive movements participated.
Participants raised slogans such as “Save Democracy, Save Constitution,” “Scrap SIR,” “Protect Voters’ Rights” and “Hold Elections Through Ballot Papers.” Through the march, the participants expressed their opposition to what they described as concerns over the electoral process and demanded greater transparency and fairness.
Former Bombay High Court judge B.G. Kolse-Patil said the right to vote was at the centre of the democratic rights guaranteed by the Constitution. He stressed that no eligible citizen should be wrongly removed from the electoral rolls and that every voter must be able to exercise their franchise without fear.
Congress spokesperson Hanumant Pawar alleged that the SIR exercise was unconstitutional and claimed that the BJP-led government was attempting to undermine citizens’ constitutional voting rights. He said the INDIA bloc would continue its campaign until the SIR process was withdrawn and Election Commission officials, including Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, were held accountable.
The protesters submitted a memorandum through the Tehsildar to the government and concerned authorities, demanding action on their concerns. They warned that if their demands were not addressed positively, broader democratic protests would be organised to protect the Constitution, democracy and voters’ rights.
Former MLA Gautam Chabukswar, Congress city president Narendra Bansode, Shiv Sena city chief Chetan Pawar, NCP (Sharad Pawar) city president Devendra Tayade, MNS city president Sachin Chikhale, AAP president Vaijnath, CPI(M) leader Comrade Ajit Abhyankar, CPI president Ganesh Darade, Samajwadi Party president Bid Yadav, social activist Manav Kamble, Maruti Bhapkar and Bhagat Singh Students’ Organisation representative Swapnaja Kale were among those present.
