Stop political drama, safeguard voters’ rights: Ponnam to NRR

Hyderabad: Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar strongly criticized Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao on Monday over his recent statements regarding voter list revisions, urging him to cease political theatrics and diversionary tactics while focusing on safeguarding the constitutional voting rights of every eligible citizen. Reacting to remarks made by the BJP state leader, Prabhakar pointed out that the Election Commission of India remains constitutionally responsible for preparing and revising electoral rolls, including adding new voters and removing deleted entries. He questioned Ramchander Rao claim that he would personally guarantee the restoration of missing names, asking whether BJP leaders intended to perform duties designated for Election Commission officials.

Stressing that political considerations must never take precedence over fundamental voting rights, Prabhakar asserted that no eligible citizen should face disenfranchisement. He stated that the Congress party would present individuals whose names were allegedly deleted from electoral rolls. Challenging Ramchander Rao to participate in a joint ground-level inquiry across specific polling booths and wards where deletions occurred, the minister urged him to leave air-conditioned rooms. He demanded a thorough examination into allegations concerning the misuse of Form 6 and Form 7 applications during electoral roll revisions, specifically asking whether BJP activists in Musheerabad constituency submitted Form 7 applications to delete voters.

Prabhakar urged election officials to ensure absolute transparency in the revision process to restore public confidence in the electoral system. He accused the BJP of attempting to divert attention from core voter rights by introducing religious rhetoric involving MIM and its leader Asaduddin Owaisi, emphasizing that voting rights belong to every citizen regardless of religion. Questioning the BJP record after a decade at the Centre, Prabhakar demanded clarity on unfulfilled Telangana bifurcation assurances and central support for local farmers.

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The Hans India