'Lies spread about SIR': Amit Shah says Opposition misled people
What's the story
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday questioned the opposition in the Lok Sabha over the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls amid the Opposition's vote chori claims. He said, "For four months, one-sided lies were spread about SIR. Attempts were made to mislead the people of the country." "Should illegal immigrants participate in elections in India?" he asked, defending the government's stance on not conducting elections but leaving it to the ECI.
Election oversight
Shah defends government's role in electoral process
Shah clarified that the government doesn't conduct elections, adding that SIR is under the Election Commission's jurisdiction. He said, "We do not conduct elections... The opposition is demanding a detailed review of SIR, which is not possible because it falls under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission." Congress won 30 state polls during the last 11 years
Political debate
Shah addresses opposition's uproar over electoral reforms
The Home Minister also addressed the opposition's uproar over electoral reforms, accusing them of misleading the public. He said, "At the start of the session, there was significant uproar from the opposition, creating a false impression among the public that we are avoiding a discussion on electoral reforms." Shah reiterated that Parliament is India's biggest "Panchayat" and never shies away from discussions.
Opposition
Shah targets Rahul Gandhi
Referring to the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi's claims of "lakhs and lakhs of duplicate voters," Shah said, "Your defeat is certain; the voter list doesn't have to do anything with it." Pointing out that Congress won 30 state polls during the last 11 years, Shah questioned how the elections were rigged. He added, "Double standards won't work in a democracy. When you win, EC is great. When you lose, EC is useless and works at the BJP's behest!"