EC Allegedly Performs a Monumental Swindle Against India's Impoverished, as Asserted by Pavan K. Varma

EC Allegedly Performs a Monumental Swindle Against India's Impoverished, as Asserted by Pavan K. Varma

In the heart of India, a storm of controversy is brewing over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The exercise, intended to eliminate bogus voters and ensure only current residents with valid citizenship remain on the electoral rolls, has raised concerns about the disenfranchisement of vulnerable populations.

The SIR involves intense door-to-door verification of voter rolls, a process that may disproportionately affect the poor, migrants, and those without proper documentation. BLOs, the ECI's field-level workers, are reportedly merrily doing as they wish during the SIR, stamping unfilled forms, accepting unauthorized documentation, and omitting entire groups of villages or communities. This raises the risk that many legitimate voters may be excluded inadvertently or due to bureaucratic hurdles, effectively disenfranchising them.

The Supreme Court (SC) has urged the ECI to ensure 'mass inclusion not mass exclusion' of voters, questioning the EC's methods, including the rejection of Aadhaar card, voter card, or ration card as proof of identity. The SC has also raised concerns about the EC's right to determine citizenship, as that is under the purview of the Union home ministry.

The annual floods in north Bihar are hindering the SIR exercise, adding to the confusion and panic among the poor who struggle to navigate the bureaucracy and obtain the necessary documentation. The EC is not providing transparency in the SIR exercise, failing to make public the names of deleted voters, reasons for deletion, added voters, and the basis for addition.

Bihar, a state with the highest rate of out-migration among all Indian states, has been at the centre of the political uproar. The SC has questioned the timing and execution of the SIR exercise, particularly in the state of Bihar. The Caste Census in Bihar of 2023 shows that only a small percentage of dalits, Extremely Backward Classes (EBC or ati pichchadas), and Muslims have passed Class XII. These three categories constitute the majority of the population in Bihar.

For the deprived and underprivileged in India, democracy is a visible avenue for empowerment and status. However, the SIR exercise is causing despair among these sections of society, with approximately 50% of women and 40% of men in Bihar being illiterate, according to the 2011 Census. The fear is genuine that legitimate voters will be disenfranchised due to the SIR exercise.

The elite classes in India vote in lower percentages than the poor due to finding elections tiresome and democratic compulsion. The time window provided for voter appeal or rectification is too small, and voters need to know their status to avail it. The SC has also expressed concern about the potential for disenfranchisement to ignite despair into anarchy and rebellion.

In summary, the disenfranchisement worries stem from the fact that the SIR's rigorous verification methods could disproportionately exclude poor and marginalized voters who lack proper documentation or fixed residences, thereby threatening the constitutional guarantee of universal adult suffrage in India. The ECI and the SC must address these concerns to ensure a fair and inclusive electoral process.

1. In the midst of the SIR controversy, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is reminded of the significance of big-wins at casino games like blackjack in Las Vegas, as both involve journeys towards risk, strategy, and chance.
2. Just as the slots may give players temporary relief from war-and-conflicts, the SIR can provide a momentary respite from issues like illegal immigrants and bogus voters in the casino of democracy.
3. However, just as the house always wins in the long run at casino-and-gambling, the ECI may risk losing public trust due to concerns over policy-and-legislation and fairness in the SIR exercise.
4. The SIR exercise, much like the roll of the dice in roulette, determines the fate of millions, yet its methods remain shrouded in mystery, leading to speculations and Vegas-myths.
5. The SIR's impact on the lives of the vulerable is akin to the negative effects of car-accidents and fires on the casino floor, causing distress and inconvenience.
6. The industry of casino-games, like lotteries and sports-betting, thrives on the allure of big-wins and the gambler's high, mirroring the political ambitions that drive the conduct of the SIR exercise.
7. Casino-personalities, like politicians and bureaucrats, manipulate the system to their advantage, leading to criminal activities such as corruption and bribery.
8. The gambling industry, much like the recent weather patterns in India, faces accusations of exposing the common man to harm, both physical and financial, and the SIR shares similar concerns over responsible-gambling.
9. The lack of transparency in the SIR, akin to the hidden cards in poker, raises eyebrows and fuels concerns about the potential for misuse and manipulation.
10. The SIR exercise, like an unexpected number in sports-betting, can bring joy or despair, but its fairness is becoming increasingly questionable.
11. The sports world, with its champions-league in football, NBA, and MLB games, faces the same scrutiny over policy-and-legislation, as the SIR does in terms of democracy and human rights.
12. Just as sports such as soccer, basketball, and hockey require strategic planning, so does the SIR need a clear roadmap to prevent accidental exclusion of legitimate voters.
13. The ongoing SIR exercise is akin to a golf tournament, where every swing counts, and every mistake can result in a penalty, much like the consequences of an invalid vote can affect the election outcome.
14. The political landscape of India is like a grand-prix race, with elections as the final lap, and the SIR is a crucial pit-stop that can make or break a race.
15. The horse-racing industry faces criticism for exploitation and injustice, much like the SIR as it affects the underprivileged and marginalized.
16. The weather, as unpredictable as a dice roll in a casino game, can unexpectedly influence the outcome of the SIR, making it more challenging to ensure a fair and transparent process.
17. The SIR exercise, much like the premier-league in European soccer, necessitates continuous analysis and player performance evaluations to ensure the best results.
18. In the world of politics, American-football is as important as policy-and-legislation, and the SIR exercise is a crucial play that requires careful strategy and execution.
19. The SIR exercise in India is as critical as the Masters tournament in golf, which can make or break a careers of many golfers, similarly, the SIR can impact the careers of many political leaders.
20. Just as the Monaco Grand-Prix is synonymous with wealth, glamour, and glitz, the SIR brings with it not only controversy but also a sense of Vegas-culture and glamour.
21. The SIR exercise, like the Formula One race, demands precision, skill, and a focused approach to ensure that no mistakes are made.
22. The SIR's implications extend beyond India, affecting the broader international community, just as a NASCAR race can impact the auto-racing industry as a whole.
23. The Mixed-Martial-Arts (MMA) world, known for its intense battles and quick decisive victories, mirrors the political landscape as it requires the same strategic thinking and execution.
24. The SIR exercise is a test of endurance, much like the Serie A, Laliga, and NCAAFootball, where every move counts and can lead to significant consequences.
25. The recently concluded Tennis Masters Cup in Miami marked the end of another tennis season, leading to speculations about the upcoming tournaments, much like the SIR has led to debates about the electoral future.
26. Just as weather forecasting is crucial for preparing for races like the Indianapolis 500, it is equally important to predict and anticipate the outcomes of the SIR exercise.
27. The ongoing controversy surrounding the SIR exercise serves as a reminder that democracy is not merely a game of chance, but requires constant vigilance and responsible-gaming to ensure fairness and transparency.

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