Cong demands right to vote as fundamental right to prevent SIR exclusions

THE Congress on Sunday reiterated its demand to declare voting a fundamental right, arguing that the move would strengthen constitutional safeguards against alleged voter suppression and arbitrary disqualifications under the SIR process in several states.

- MUKESH RANJAN

AICC General Secretary (Communication) Jairam Ramesh accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of functioning in a “blatantly partisan” manner at the behest of PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He said elevating voting rights to the status of a fundamental right would ensure the “highest level of judicial review and protection” and enable closer Supreme Court scrutiny of th