Panaji, Sep 25 BJP Goa president Damodar Naik on Friday said the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls should follow a transparent verification process.
He also claimed some some political forces were trying to bring back “bogus votes” into the voters’ list.
Naik’s remarks came amid a political row in Goa over the SIR exercise, with Opposition parties raising concerns over deletion of names from the electoral rolls and demanding greater transparency in the process.
Speaking to reporters here, Naik said, “It is a matter concerning the Election Commission of India. We did not go personally. If someone’s name is missing, they should follow the transparent process. There is a proper procedure to verify.”
Attacking the Congress, he said the party was raising a hue and cry over SIR since it knows it is going to get defeated in elections.
“Congress has been trying to create a narrative by making accusations. The younger generation should be reminded of the scams that took place under previous Congress governments,” Naik said.
“Some political powers are trying to get back bogus votes in the list. I don’t say that all the names deserved to be deleted, but I feel that Goans should get justice,” the state BJP chief further alleged.
Concerns over the deletion of names of genuine voters must not be used to allow ineligible persons to get included in the voters’ list and then get benefits of state welfare schemes, he said.
“I feel the entire process has to be transparent. But bogus voters must not be allowed in the list,” he asserted.
The ECI’s SIR exercise involves verification and updating of electoral rolls, including scrutiny of entries and a process for electors to raise claims and objections.
(PTI News)
