Prime Minister, Home Minister Should Resign: Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi

Koppal: Kannada and Culture and Backward Classes Welfare Minister Shivaraj S. Tangadagi has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister resign, citing serious doubts surrounding the electoral system, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Tangadagi was speaking at a protest organised by the Koppal district unit of the Congress in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Monday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. “The resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner alone is not enough. When questions have been raised about the electoral system itself, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister should also take moral responsibility and resign,” he said.

The Minister alleged that there was concern that names of eligible voters could be removed from electoral rolls in the name of SIR. He said the Congress had been raising allegations that names of its supporters were being deliberately removed from voter lists.

He added that a letter reportedly written by a BJP MLA seeking the removal of names of voters whom he did not want on the electoral roll had raised further questions over the issue.

“Vote theft is not merely about taking away one vote; it is an attempt to take away a democratic right. The Election Commission must function independently and should not come under the influence of the Central government,” Tangadagi said.

He said the Central government and the Election Commission should provide transparent answers to the doubts raised among the public regarding EVMs and the revision of electoral rolls. “The responsibility of protecting the credibility of the electoral system lies with the Central government,” he said.

Tangadagi also launched a sharp attack on the BJP, alleging that the party was attempting to divert public attention by raising issues such as padayatras instead of discussing development. He alleged that the BJP had resorted to alleged “vote theft” out of fear of electoral defeat and made remarks linking the party to Lord Ram.

‘If Gyanesh Kumar Is Dalit, Then What About Nagendra?’

Responding to BJP MP Govind Karjol’s statement that the Congress was targeting Gyanesh Kumar because he was a Dalit, Tangadagi questioned the argument.

“If Gyanesh Kumar is a Dalit, then what about Nagendra? Why was he asked to resign?” he questioned.

He said the BJP should answer allegations that those accused of wrongdoing against the country were being protected while Dalits who had committed no wrongdoing were being made scapegoats.

Tangadagi said the guarantee schemes implemented by the Congress government in Karnataka had enabled poor people to live with greater security.

“The BJP has nothing to talk about regarding people-centric governance and development. In the coming days, the people of the country will give the BJP a political response,” he said.

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Bharath Anjanappa

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Bharath Anjanappa is an experienced journalist specializing in Politics and Civic issues. With over a decade (2012 till date) of writing expertise, he handles or contributes towards Bengaluru sector/area. Bharath Anjanappa has completed his graduation/post-graduation from Bangalore University (with a specialization in Finance, Marketing and HR). When not immersed in writing, he can be found spending time farming. Bharath Anjanappa is an accomplished writer with a passion for writing on current political situation and Civic issues. With 12 years of experience, he has honed his craft in various genres, including entertainment, crime, education and Politics. Bharath's diverse family history and embracing cultures have enriched his writing with unique perspectives.

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