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Dipankar Bhattacharya, the general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) [CPI(ML)], delivered a stark warning about the state of democracy in India, focusing specifically on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) being conducted in Bihar. Speaking at the Narendran Memorial lecture in Thiruvananthapuram, he questioned what remains of democracy if the right to vote is curtailed and elections are slowly rendered meaningless. His remarks centered on the SIR, an exercise he described as an 'invasive reconstruction of the electoral roll,' initiated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in coalition with other parties in Bihar. Bhattacharya criticized the exercise as a blatant attempt to disenfranchise vulnerable populations, particularly Dalits, Muslims, women, and the poor. He emphasized the historical context of the CPI(ML)'s involvement in elections, recalling a time when the party boycotted the process due to the lack of voting rights for many landless poor in Bihar. The violence and oppression faced by those who dared to exercise their franchise prompted the party to enter the electoral arena, fighting for the rights that were denied to so many. The SIR, however, represents a significant setback to this progress. The core of Bhattacharya's critique lies in the stringent document requirements imposed on voters in Bihar. While the 2003 voters list was grandfathered in, nearly three crore voters were required to prove their citizenship with documentation. The problem, as Bhattacharya points out, is that the accepted documents excluded voter IDs and Aadhaar cards – the very identification proofs that most Indians use for voting. Instead, the government demanded ownership certificates and school leaving certificates, documents that are often inaccessible to the poor and uneducated. The inclusion of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which does not exist in Bihar but was implemented in Assam, as an acceptable document further underscores the absurdity of the situation. This demand for documentation was coupled with a tight deadline of just one month, drawing parallels to the sudden and disruptive implementation of demonetization. Bhattacharya likened the SIR to 'vote bandhi,' a deliberate act of disenfranchisement akin to the economic disruption caused by 'note bandhi.' The consequences of the SIR have been significant, with 66 lakh people already eliminated from the electoral roll. While the Election Commission claims that this reduction is due to deaths and migration, Bhattacharya alleges that many living individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities, have been falsely declared dead in the electoral roll. Conversely, he claims that individuals from privileged backgrounds and supporters of the BJP have been included in the roll even if they are deceased. Bhattacharya sees the SIR as part of a larger trend towards authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic principles in India. He highlighted the Union government's push for 'one nation, one election' as a strategy to consolidate power and maintain a perpetual majority. He referenced statements made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah about ruling for 50 years, interpreting them as an indication of the BJP's intention to manipulate the electoral system to achieve its goals. Drawing parallels with historical fascism, Bhattacharya noted that Mussolini and Hitler came to power through elections and then proceeded to rewrite the system to consolidate their power. He argued that the BJP is attempting to do the same in India, creating an 'internal enemy' in the form of Muslims and undermining the principles of socialism, secularism, and democracy enshrined in the Constitution.
Bhattacharya emphasized the importance of historical context, reminding the audience that anti-fascist parties had united to fight the British, while the BJP's parent organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), had remained aloof. He pointed to the recent farmers' protest against the farm laws as an example of the power of courage and unity, demonstrating that collective action can force even the most powerful governments to back down. He called for all anti-fascist forces to stand together once again, highlighting the broad ideological spectrum represented by the INDIA bloc, a coalition of rival political parties formed to challenge the BJP. He concluded by urging India to reclaim its role as a republic of freedom, not a republic of fear, emphasizing the need to safeguard the democratic principles and protect the rights of all citizens. The implementation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar, as outlined by Dipankar Bhattacharya, presents a concerning case study in potential voter suppression. The stringent requirements for proving citizenship, coupled with the limited time frame and questionable document criteria, raise serious concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of the electoral process. The disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, as alleged by Bhattacharya, further exacerbates these concerns and underscores the need for greater scrutiny and oversight. The SIR is not merely a technical exercise in voter verification; it is a political act with the potential to undermine the foundations of democracy. The removal of a substantial number of voters from the electoral roll can significantly alter the outcome of elections, potentially skewing the results in favor of the ruling party. This is particularly alarming in a state like Bihar, where political competition is fierce and the stakes are high. The accusations of manipulating the electoral roll to favor certain groups while disenfranchising others strike at the heart of democratic principles, raising questions about the integrity and impartiality of the electoral process. The broader implications of the SIR extend beyond the borders of Bihar. If successful, this model could be replicated in other states, potentially leading to widespread voter suppression and the erosion of democratic rights across the country. This is precisely why Bhattacharya's warning is so urgent and why it is crucial for other states to learn from the experiences in Bihar and take steps to safeguard their own electoral processes.
The comparison to historical fascism, while strong, serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the manipulation of democratic institutions for authoritarian ends. The historical examples of Mussolini and Hitler, who rose to power through elections and then dismantled the democratic system, provide a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy and the importance of vigilance in the face of threats to fundamental rights. The current political climate in India, with its increasing polarization and the rise of majoritarian ideologies, makes this comparison particularly relevant. The creation of an 'internal enemy,' the targeting of religious minorities, and the suppression of dissent are all hallmarks of authoritarian regimes, and it is crucial to recognize these patterns and resist any attempts to undermine democratic institutions. The call for unity among anti-fascist forces is a call for a broad coalition of individuals and organizations who share a commitment to democratic principles, human rights, and social justice. This coalition must transcend political divides and ideological differences in order to effectively challenge the forces of authoritarianism. The INDIA bloc, despite its diverse composition, represents a potential platform for such a coalition, providing a space for different political parties to come together and work towards a common goal. The farmers' protest, as highlighted by Bhattacharya, serves as an inspiring example of the power of collective action and the ability of ordinary people to stand up against injustice. The resilience and determination of the farmers, who persevered despite facing immense challenges, ultimately forced the government to repeal the farm laws. This victory demonstrates that even the most powerful governments can be held accountable when people unite and demand change. In conclusion, the SIR in Bihar represents a serious threat to democracy and underscores the need for vigilance and action. The stringent voter verification process, the potential for manipulation of the electoral roll, and the broader trend towards authoritarianism all warrant serious concern. It is crucial for all those who believe in democratic principles to stand together and resist any attempts to undermine the rights and freedoms of all citizens. The future of India as a republic of freedom depends on it. The accusations leveled by Dipankar Bhattacharya concerning the SIR in Bihar are substantial and demand thorough investigation. An independent inquiry should be conducted to ascertain the validity of these claims, ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process. Steps should be taken to simplify the voter registration process, making it more accessible to all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic background. This may involve expanding the list of accepted documents, providing assistance to those who lack the necessary documentation, and extending the registration period. Furthermore, efforts should be made to educate voters about their rights and responsibilities, empowering them to participate fully in the democratic process.
Source: Bihar’s SIR a lesson to rest of the country: CPI(ML)’s Dipankar Bhattacharya warns