Rajasthan Politics Heats Up Over SIR; Allegations of Pakistani, Rohingya, and Bangladeshi Voters in Electoral Rolls

Jaipur, Rajasthan: The political climate in Rajasthan has intensified over the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. The ruling BJP and opposition Congress are clashing over allegations that foreign nationals, including Pakistanis, Rohingyas, and Bangladeshis, have been included in voter lists and are casting votes, raising concerns about electoral integrity.

BJP Targets Congress Over Alleged Fake Voters

Former BJP state president Ashok Parnami accused Congress of fear and misinformation regarding the SIR process. He claimed that during Congress-led governments, numerous illegal voters, including foreign nationals, were added to electoral rolls, predominantly favoring Congress. Parnami stated that SIR is intended to remove ineligible voters, and Congress is spreading confusion to protect its political interests.

Congress Calls SIR Risky for Citizens

Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra countered, labeling SIR as dangerous for ordinary citizens. Citing recent deaths linked to the process, he said that the voter list revision exposes citizens to unnecessary risks and procedural difficulties, and the government is not maintaining transparency.

BJP Responds to Congress Allegations

Parnami hit back, accusing Congress of lacking genuine issues and resorting to misinformation to retain political relevance. He noted that Congress previously raised questions about EVMs and is now targeting SIR out of fear that fake voters will be removed. He emphasized that SIR aims solely to ensure a clean and fair electoral roll.

Foreign Nationals Become Political Flashpoint

The BJP alleges that foreign nationals have long been included in voter lists and were exploited politically by Congress. Congress, however, dismisses these claims as politically motivated, sparking a heated debate between the two major parties. The controversy is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with political rhetoric likely to escalate further.

Meanwhile, reports from Tonk indicate BLOs facing difficulties while collecting SIR forms, with some officials seen counting forms in fields under strenuous conditions, highlighting the operational challenges of the voter list revision process.