Bengaluru, June 30 (UNI)

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission, alleging that it had become a "puppet in the hands of the government" and claiming the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was being used as a political exercise to help the ruling dispensation retain power.

Addressing reporters here, Kharge questioned the independence of the constitutional body, accusing it of ignoring serious legal and constitutional objections raised by the Karnataka government while proceeding with the voter roll revision.

"The Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commission are puppets in the hands of the government. It is very clear that the government has no popular vote among the people. That is why they are resorting to these kinds of exercises to ensure they remain in power," he alleged.

Kharge said the Congress had submitted 12 objections to the manner in which the Special Intensive Revision was being carried out and had expected the Election Commission to respond to the concerns formally conveyed by the Karnataka Chief Secretary.

"We had raised 12 clear objections and were expecting the Election Commission to reply to what our Chief Secretary had written. Unfortunately, they have not done so," he said.

According to Kharge, the objections involved legal, constitutional and procedural issues, including the need for greater transparency in the electoral roll revision process.

"We have asked legal questions and constitutional questions. We have asked them to revise the entire process, make it transparent, ensure software audits are conducted transparently and ensure the entire exercise is carried out transparently. Unfortunately, they have chosen not to reply. We will evaluate the situation and decide our next course of action in the coming days," he said.

Kharge also questioned the basis on which voters were being identified for verification, criticising the use of the term "logical discrepancy", which he said lacked a clear definition.

"What is the definition of logical discrepancy? Does anybody know? In the name of logical discrepancy, anybody can be left out," he said, warning that vague criteria could result in the exclusion of genuine voters.

Maintaining that the Congress was not opposed to cleansing the electoral rolls, Kharge said the Election Commission's primary responsibility was to ensure that every eligible citizen remained on the voter list.

"It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to maintain a hygienic voter list. We are not asking them to include non-citizens. We are only saying that no citizen should be left behind," he said.

Replying to a separate question on notices issued over his remarks on the RSS, Kharge alleged that such actions were intended to intimidate critics.

"There is nothing new about these notices. Every time we question the RSS logically or raise issues concerning it, they use such means to counter us, keep us quiet and intimidate us," he said.

He asserted that legal notices would not deter him from questioning the organisation's activities. "When they cannot answer you legally or logically, this is how they go. They want to silence us. They are mistaken if they think they are going to stop us from asking questions about the RSS and its operations. I have nothing to fear as long as the Constitution is by my side," he added.

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Lucknow

BSP supremo Mayawati has strongly reacted to the controversy surrounding the alleged theft, embezzlement, and misappropriation of offerings at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

She said that if the complaints reported in the media are true, then this is a very serious and worrying matter and that fair and strict action should be taken against the culprits. She also advised against politicising the issue.

In a statement released on social media on Tuesday morning, Mayawati said that the reports of theft, embezzlement, and misappropriation of offerings made by devotees at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya are extremely serious. She said that whoever is guilty in this matter should not be spared under any circumstances.

The BSP chief said that to prevent any future complaints regarding offerings made by devotees, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust should study and adopt the transparent accounting and management systems implemented in other major temples in the country.

Mayawati stated that this would not only resolve the current dispute but also strengthen the faith of devotees.

In her statement, Mayawati stated that "criminalisation of politics, politicisation of crime, politicisation of religion, and blind religiousisation of politics" are not appropriate for a democratic system.

She appealed to political parties and citizens to approach this matter within the framework of the law and the Constitution and to prioritise public interest.

Recently, a controversy has emerged regarding the management of offerings and alleged financial irregularities at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. These allegations have raised questions about the trust's functioning and transparency.

Demanding strict action against the culprits, Mayawati also stated that instead of turning the matter into a political controversy, emphasis should be placed on an impartial investigation and a transparent system.

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Mumbai / Ramesh Autade

“It is a matter of great pride that the son of an ST (State Transport) bus driver has risen to become the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council through his own merit. No matter where one is born, anyone can achieve greatness through their abilities — this is the gift of democracy and the Constitution drafted by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, acknowledging the accomplishments of Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.

CM Fadnavis was speaking at the farewell ceremony organized on the occasion of Ambadas Danve completing his term as Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council on August 29.

Fadnavis praised Danve’s diverse achievements — a postgraduate in Yogic Science, with experience in journalism, and a student who ranked sixth in the state merit list in the 12th grade from Marathwada region. He noted that Danve earned a distinct identity through his understanding of public issues, firm positions, and active involvement in social, sports, and spiritual causes alongside several institutions.

On this occasion, Council Chairman Prof. Ram Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar also extended their best wishes to Danve.

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