Jharkhand Congress launches ‘save voters, save democracy’ campaign

The Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (JPCC) on Tuesday announced a state-wide campaign, “Voter Bachao, Democracy Bachao”, to monitor the Election Commission’s Special Summary Revision (SIR) process.

JPCC President Keshav Mahato Kamlesh termed the SIR exercise a politically motivated move by the Central government rather than a routine voter verification. He alleged attempts to manipulate voter identities and disenfranchise legitimate voters. “Rahul Gandhi has highlighted nationwide misuse of voter data, including theft of photos and personal information to create fake identities. Now, the same pattern is emerging in Jharkhand,” Mahato said, citing deletion of genuine voter names, addition of fake entries, and multiple voter cards under a single name, raising concerns over the Election Commission’s impartiality.

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He accused the Commission of becoming an instrument of the Central government. “Tampering with voter lists to weaken opposition votes is a serious threat to democracy. The question is whether the Election Commission protects the Constitution or serves as a ‘data agency’ for the government,” he said.

Under the campaign, Congress workers will monitor SIR at the district and booth levels and expose any irregularities. Mahato emphasized that the party is prepared to mobilize citizens if any voter is disenfranchised.

On the Ghatshila Assembly bypoll, he expressed confidence in the Mahagathbandhan candidate’s victory, noting that party leaders and senior cadres are actively campaigning across the region.

Leader of the Congress Legislative Party Pradeep Yadav stressed alliance unity. “While minor differences may occasionally surface, the party and alliance leaders remain united. Our goal is to prevent communal and divisive forces from undermining Jharkhand’s democracy and the rights of the poor,” he said.