Hyderabad: Irrigation, Food and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday said Rahul Gandhi had brought electoral integrity concerns into greater public focus by questioning voter-list revisions.
Uttam praised the Congress leader for leading the Opposition’s campaign seeking greater transparency in the electoral process. He said Gandhi’s protest against the Election Commission and his demand for answers on voter-list revisions had renewed public attention on the issue.
According to Uttam, concerns surrounding electoral rolls required “clear answers, open scrutiny and a transparent process”. The Minister described the right to vote as central to democracy. He said transparency over electoral rolls was therefore important to address questions being raised about the process.
Uttam says electoral integrity concerns need transparency
Uttam said Gandhi had consistently raised questions on several major national issues. He cited demonetisation, the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ladakh border situation. The Minister also referred to police action against Gandhi while discussing the demand for transparency in the electoral process.
He said such police action would not silence questions concerning electoral integrity. Instead, Uttam argued that it could lead to increased public scrutiny of the electoral process. His remarks centred on Gandhi’s demand for answers over voter-list revisions and the Opposition’s call for greater transparency.
Uttam maintained that electoral integrity concerns should be addressed through scrutiny and a transparent process. He also linked the issue to the importance of protecting the right to vote. The Minister’s remarks reflected support for Gandhi’s position on voter-list revisions and his questions directed at the Election Commission.