BJP Welcomes Electoral Roll Revision Amidst Opposition Fury

BJP MLA Manas Kumar Dutta has expressed support for the Election Commission's decision to initiate a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Odisha. He stated that the exercise has been a long-standing demand of the common people, set to commence in September, asserting that the Election Commission is acting in the public interest.

In a sharp critique, Dutta targeted both the Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for opposing the revision, characterizing their stance as a 'feudal mindset.' He accused the parties of questioning the Commission's integrity when unfavorable but accepting results without complaint in their favor. Dutta emphasized that public grievances regarding electoral rolls are being addressed by the Commission.

Dutta further alleged that the BJD's dissatisfaction stemmed from its own failure to propose such a revision while in power. Congress, represented by Nishikant Mishra, voiced concerns over potential irregularities reminiscent of issues observed in Bihar, insisting on transparency to prevent mass deletions from voter lists as the revision proceeds under the watchful eye of leader Rahul Gandhi.

(With inputs from agencies.)