SIR..! Massive protest against BJP and Election Commission..!
SIR: A Conspiracy to Steal Citizenship, Not Just Voting Rights – Vanni Arasu Explains the Shocking Impact of Thirumavalavan’s Arguments
When elections approach, many of us view voter list verification, addition, and deletion as routine administrative procedures. However, a recent process carried out under the name "SIR" (Special Intensive Revision) has raised the question of whether it is just a voter roll correction or if deeper, dangerous intentions are hidden behind it. Speaking at a recent protest, Vanni Arasu, a prominent leader of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), elaborated on the shocking implications of the arguments put forth by the party's leader, Thol. Thirumavalavan. The essence of those arguments is detailed here.
1. This is Not Just a Theft of Voting Rights, But a Conspiracy to Steal Citizenship!
Initially, the "SIR" process was widely considered an attempt to remove names from the electoral roll, thereby snatching away people's voting rights. The fact that approximately 65 lakh votes were lost when this method was implemented in Bihar was cited as an example.
However, Vanni Arasu pointed out in his speech that Leader Thirumavalavan exposed this conspiracy at the All-Party Meeting held on November 2nd. Until he spoke at that meeting, many considered it a matter concerning only voting rights. Thirumavalavan, however, unveiled its completely different dimension. Vanni Arasu stated that Thirumavalavan exposed that this process was not just about voting rights; it was a conspiracy to indirectly implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and steal the citizenship of specific communities.
It was at this point that what was viewed as an administrative procedure was transformed into a fundamental threat to the very citizenship of Muslims, Christians, and Tribal people. Vanni Arasu re-emphasised Thirumavalavan's central argument:
"This is not the theft of voting rights; this is an attempt to steal citizenship."
Political observers believe that this single statement changed the course of the political debate on this issue, not only in Tamil Nadu but across India.
2. Is Autonomy Being Dismantled? The New Appointment Method for the Election Commission!
Like the CBI or the ED, the Election Commission of India is a crucial body that must function autonomously, without interference from anyone. Its credibility is the cornerstone of democracy. However, a significant change has recently been introduced in the method of appointing Election Commissioners, in a way that dismantles its autonomy.
Previously, the committee that selected the Election Commissioners included the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India. This ensured a degree of neutrality. But according to the new legal amendment, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has been removed from the committee and replaced by a Union Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
The consequence of this change is very clear. The ruling government gains a majority strength in the appointment committee. This raises serious questions about the independence of the Election Commission. Severe accusations are being made that appointments like that of Gyanesh Kumar are a direct result of this new appointment method, and through this, the Election Commission has been turned into a "mercenary force" of the BJP.
3. Attack on Democracy: A Broad Ideological Background
The two issues mentioned above cannot be viewed in isolation. The argument being presented is that both are different forms of a broad ideological attack, systematically designed to dismantle democratic institutions and the integrity of the Constitution.
Critics point out that these activities are underpinned by a clash between two opposing ideologies:
Revolutionary Ambedkar’s Vision: Providing the right to vote to all adult citizens without discrimination.
Savarkar’s Dream: Creating a "Hindu Rashtra" by excluding minorities.
The accusation is that the "SIR" process and the moves to undermine the Election Commission's autonomy are not accidental events; they are calculated steps toward Savarkar's ideological goal. It is alleged that the purpose is to identify and remove those who vote against the BJP from the list. It is further argued that this is a "joint conspiracy" orchestrated by the Election Commission and the BJP, which violates the basic principles of honest elections.
Conclusion
In summary, the key arguments being presented are the suspicion that a conspiracy to steal citizenship is hidden behind a seemingly ordinary voter list verification process; the change in the appointment method of the Election Commission, which destroys its independence; and that these are all attacks launched on democracy to establish a specific ideology. These events raise serious questions about the future of Indian democracy.