Shivamogga: Former deputy chief minister and leader of Rashtra Bhaktara Balaga KS Eshwarappa, on Tuesday criticised Congress, questioning their opposition to the ongoing SIR of voter lists.Speaking to reporters, Eshwarappa stated, “I fail to understand why Congress is so worried about the SIR being conducted across the country. In West Bengal alone, there were over 90 lakh illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. The entire nation appreciated their eviction. Even Pakistani terrorists managed to get their names on our voter lists; those who rented houses and carried out terror activities were found in these registries. Some terrorists even obtained Indian citizenship before being caught,” he stated.Highlighting flaws in the existing electoral rolls, Eshwarappa noted that there are instances where a single individual’s name appears in three different places. “Keeping all of this in mind, the election commission is now verifying the lists. Consequently, an authentic and honest voter list is emerging. State govt employees themselves are being deployed for this task,” he added.“The election commission has full authority to conduct the SIR. Between 1951 and 2002, the SIR was conducted nine times in the country, and Congress was in power most of the time. This raises a suspicion: Did Congress misuse the SIR back then, to stay in power? Congress should send their workers to help verify at the ground level. Every eligible citizen must get their right to vote,” he urged.Taking a direct swipe at the top Congress leadership, Eshwarappa alleged, “Rahul Gandhi’s name appears in two places on the voter list. What does Siddaramaiah have to say about this?” he asked.
