Kharge demands return to ballot paper voting, calls for immediate halt to SIR

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday (October 25) demanded a return to ballot paper voting, an immediate halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the annulment of Assembly elections held over the past two years.

Speaking in Patna, he called the campaign against SIR a “second war of independence” and urged people in Bihar to join the nationwide movement against the exercise.

'BJP stole elections'

“We demand that all elections be conducted on ballot papers, SIR halted immediately, assembly polls held in the last two years annulled”, Kharge said. Kharge accused the BJP of stealing elections in West Bengal, Haryana, Bihar and Maharashtra, warning that those responsible would face jail.

Also Read: Kharge says he will explain concerns over SIR, delimitation women's quota to PM on Oct 21

He also questioned the government's economic record, asking how it could usher in 'Amrit Kaal' when people struggled to afford basic goods.

“This govt, which cannot make onions and bread affordable, how will it usher in 'Amrit Kaal',” Kharge asked.

Targets BJP, RSS over Bihar's legacy

The Congress chief accused the BJP and RSS of undermining the legacy of Bihar's prominent leaders, including Rajendra Prasad. He alleged that “jungle raj” prevailed in Bihar and said the country would have no peace as long as RSS ideology persisted.

“As long as RSS ideology is not eliminated, there will be no peace in the country,” Kharge said.

On Ayodhya temple row, 'suddhikaran' allegation

Kharge invoked Lord Ram while attacking the BJP over the Ayodhya temple theft row. He said he prayed to the deity to “open his eyes” and punish those who had allegedly looted wealth in his name.

He also raised the alleged ‘suddhikaran’ (purification) incident targeting him. Kharge said BJP leader JP Nadda had promised an inquiry into the matter, but an FIR was instead filed against Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Haldwani.

Also Read: How Kharge's Manusmriti citation turned into a 20-min Rajya Sabha storm

“We need to find those involved in carrying out 'suddhikaran',” Kharge said.

Kharge expressed disappointment with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for joining hands with people who follow RSS ideology. He also described the current situation in Bihar as “jungle raj”.

Disruption at event

While Kharge was addressing the gathering, a man in the audience began shouting "Modi kahi nahi jayega" (Modi will not go anywhere) in response to Kharge saying the Prime Minister will face an electoral defeat and be jailed for his crimes.

As the man kept disrupting the address, Kharge lost his temper and yelled back, "Modi ka baap bhi jayega" (even Modi's father will go).

Congress workers roughed up the man while Kharge repeatedly appealed from the stage for restraint.

(With agency inputs)