The state government’s contention was that since the SIR is being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the government has no control over it; the demand cannot be accepted,
Photo: X/@UPVidhansabha
The Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday demanded a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, but the government rejected the demand, stating that the SIR is being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the government has no control over it; therefore, the demand cannot be accepted.
State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna responded on behalf of the government to the questions raised regarding the deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
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While refuting the Opposition’s allegations on the SIR issue during the discussion, Khanna said the loss of loved ones by these families is extremely tragic, and the government understands their pain. An inquiry will be conducted into the circumstances surrounding these deaths. However, the government’s role is limited in matters related to election work.
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He said that the ECI is silent on this matter, and the government is not a representative of the Commission. The government does not have any direct supervision over the Election Commission.
The parliamentary affairs minister further said that under the Representation of the People Act (RPA), all government employees are on deputation to the ECI during elections, and the entire matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission.
Taking a dig at the Opposition, he said, “The pain is in the knee, but the treatment is being given to the teeth,” meaning that questions are not being raised against the institution that is responsible.
Khanna also clarified that in the event of the death of any government employee, the state government will provide all admissible benefits to the deceased’s family members according to its rules. The government stands with the affected families on humanitarian grounds, but the decisions and responsibilities related to the electoral process rest with the ECI.
It is noteworthy that while raising the issue in the House under Rule 56 and demanding a discussion on the SIR, Congress leader Aradhana Mishra demanded that the families of the deceased BLOs be given a compensation of Rs 50 lakh and a government job for one family member.
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