Rejecting the Congress' objections to the ongoing process in the 12 states and UTs, Shekhawat said, "Congress criticises with petty and vested political interests in mind. The party has never cared for the nation or national interests.
Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has dismissed the Opposition Congress' criticism of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 12 States and Union Territories (UTs), despite the pendency of petitions challenging the process.
Speaking to the media at the airport here on Saturday, Shekhawat reiterated that "SIR will be conducted in all states of the country. At present, the exercise is underway in nine states and three Union Territories. The task will be taken up in the remaining states after the completion of the ongoing phase."
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"There is nothing wrong in it. In conducting SIR, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has simply been exercising the powers vested in it by the Constitution. The ECI is duty-bound to ensure free and fair polls through a duly sanctioned process and to maintain the sanctity of the electoral rolls," he said.
Rejecting the Congress' objections to the ongoing process in the 12 states and UTs, Shekhawat said, "Congress criticises with petty and vested political interests in mind. The party has never cared for the nation or national interests.
"Their views and actions have always been motivated by power politics," the Union Minister alleged. The Opposition party has repeatedly opposed the move, terming the matter sub judice and questioning the government's intent.