Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday, October 31, called for protecting democratic values and the rule of law while defending the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He made the appeal during the BJP’s ‘Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy’ rally in Agartala, where he criticised opposition parties over their stand on constitutional institutions and electoral reforms.
At A Glance
- Dr Manik Saha said violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society.
- The Chief Minister accused the CPI(M), Congress and INDIA alliance constituents of undermining public confidence in constitutional institutions.
- He defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as necessary for maintaining accurate and updated electoral rolls.
Dr Manik Saha on Saturday launched a sharp attack on opposition parties, accusing them of undermining democratic values and questioning constitutional institutions. He asserted that violence, unrest and attempts to control society through force cannot define democracy. Instead, he said, the people’s mandate through elections must remain the ultimate authority.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while participating in the BJP’s ‘Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy’ rally in Agartala. He also defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and questioned the opposition’s resistance to the exercise.
Dr Manik Saha called upon BJP workers and responsible citizens to protect democracy, uphold the rule of law and create public awareness about constitutional values.
Violence and Intimidation Have No Place in Democracy
Addressing the gathering, Dr Manik Saha said India’s Constitution guarantees citizens the right to vote, the rule of law and security. As the world’s largest democracy, India must uphold these constitutional principles, he said.
He emphasised that every citizen has a responsibility to protect the dignity of the Constitution drafted by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.
However, the Chief Minister alleged that attempts to replace democratic practices with violence were taking place in different parts of the country. He criticised those who allegedly tried to control society through physical force without respecting the law and judicial institutions.
“Democracy cannot function through violence or riots,” he said, stressing that elections must determine the final political outcome.
He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for India’s progress on the development front.
The Chief Minister urged BJP workers and conscious citizens to take an active role in defending democratic values. He called for greater public awareness through household visits and grassroots campaigns.
He added that the BJP would continue its movement on the streets to oppose what it described as attempts to promote anarchy and weaken democratic principles.
CM Accuses Opposition of Questioning Constitutional Institutions
Dr Manik Saha also criticised the CPI(M), Congress and constituents of the INDIA alliance over their approach towards constitutional institutions.
He alleged that these parties had repeatedly questioned institutions such as the Supreme Court and the Election Commission after suffering electoral defeats.
The Chief Minister questioned whether allegations concerning electoral transparency were intended to weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
He said opposition parties should place evidence before the public instead of repeatedly questioning election results and constitutional bodies through allegations.
According to him, such practices do not strengthen democracy. Rather, they risk undermining the credibility of institutions responsible for protecting the country’s democratic framework.
Dr Manik Saha described India as a confident and sovereign democracy. He asserted that attempts to weaken its constitutional institutions would not succeed.
Dr Manik Saha Defends SIR of Electoral Rolls
The Chief Minister also defended the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, describing the exercise as important for maintaining accurate and transparent voter lists.
He pointed out that many registered voters had died over the years. Several others had shifted to different places. He also referred to allegations of illegal infiltration.
These developments, he argued, made periodic verification and updating of electoral rolls necessary.
Dr Manik Saha said the SIR exercise aimed to ensure that every eligible citizen had a place on the voter list. At the same time, the process would verify the eligibility of those whose names might no longer qualify for inclusion.
He stressed that an accurate electoral roll was essential for maintaining the credibility of elections.
CM Questions Cong, CPI(M) and TMC Opposition to SIR
Dr Manik Saha accused the Congress, CPI(M) and Trinamool Congress of opposing the SIR exercise for political reasons.
He questioned whether their opposition stemmed from concerns about losing political support among their respective voter bases.
The Chief Minister also raised questions about the opposition parties’ vote-bank politics. He argued that maintaining an accurate electoral roll should take priority over narrow political interests.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s position on SIR, he said the exercise was connected to the Election Commission’s constitutional responsibility to ensure free and fair elections.
He maintained that the revision process formed part of the broader effort to protect electoral integrity.
The Chief Minister questioned why opposition parties were resisting an exercise linked to transparent and updated voter lists. He said ordinary citizens should examine the reasons behind their opposition.
Dr Manik Saha called for public support for democratic institutions and the electoral process. He reiterated that protecting constitutional values, ensuring the rule of law and maintaining credible elections were essential responsibilities in a democratic country.
