JAMMU, OCT 22: Political analyst and senior Kashmiri Pandit community leader Kundan Kashmiri, President of KPC, has criticised the proposed nationwide mobilisation against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, arguing that concerns over electoral procedures must be addressed through constitutional mechanisms, evidence-based scrutiny and established legal processes. Responding to the proposed campaign under the slogan “Har Hath Mein Tiranga, Har Gali Mein Jantar Mantar,” Kashmiri said India’s democratic framework must be protected through respect for constitutional institutions, transparent electoral procedures and accountability for any established wrongdoing.
In his statement, Kashmiri emphasised that the Indian National Flag symbolises national unity, sovereignty and constitutional democracy and should not become an instrument of political confrontation. He maintained that democracy belongs to the people of India and functions within the framework of the Constitution, adding that no political alliance, protest coalition or organisation can claim exclusive ownership of democratic values or patriotism.
Addressing concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, Kashmiri said the exercise should be evaluated on the basis of its legality, fairness, transparency and implementation. He stressed that protecting the voting rights of every eligible Indian citizen was fundamental to electoral integrity and public confidence in democratic institutions.
He maintained that any eligible voter whose name had been wrongly deleted must have access to an effective grievance-redressal mechanism, with restoration undertaken wherever legally justified. Similarly, complaints concerning alleged misconduct by officials should be examined impartially, and accountability should follow wherever violations are established. However, he argued that individual grievances and allegations should be investigated on their merits rather than being used to reject the entire revision exercise without examining the relevant evidence, legal provisions and available remedies.
Kashmiri also questioned the reported demands for the removal and prosecution of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, stating that such serious actions must be supported by credible evidence and pursued through appropriate constitutional and legal procedures. He emphasised that the independence of the Election Commission of India must be protected against undue pressure from political establishments as well as opposition groups.
According to Kashmiri, accountability and institutional independence are complementary principles of democracy. He argued that allegations alone cannot establish wrongdoing and that any complaint against a constitutional authority must be assessed through a fair and legally sustainable process.
Commenting on reported demands to repeal the 2023 law governing the appointment of election commissioners, introduce an alternative appointment mechanism and return to paper ballots, Kashmiri said electoral reforms should emerge from informed debate, demonstrable shortcomings and an assessment of their implications for electoral integrity.
He maintained that changes to existing laws must follow applicable parliamentary and constitutional procedures. Similarly, decisions concerning voting technology should be based on verifiable security, transparency, auditability, accessibility and public confidence rather than political preferences. He said the objective should be to ensure free, fair and credible elections through effective safeguards and transparent procedures.
Kashmiri acknowledged that peaceful protest and criticism of public institutions are legitimate democratic rights. However, he cautioned against treating every disagreement with a constitutional authority as proof of institutional failure. He stressed that public mobilisation should encourage constitutional awareness, responsible citizenship and evidence-based debate while respecting lawful procedures.
Reiterating his position, Kashmiri said he supported the protection of eligible voters’ rights, transparent electoral processes, impartial investigations into credible allegations and accountability for proven wrongdoing. He also supported genuine electoral reforms wherever necessary, but opposed dismissing an entire electoral exercise or demanding action against constitutional authorities without establishing the relevant grounds.
He concluded that safeguarding democracy required both institutional accountability and respect for constitutional safeguards, arguing that electoral disputes and allegations should be addressed through impartial scrutiny, due process and the rule of law. Kashmiri said the Tricolour must remain a symbol of national pride and unity, while the Constitution must continue to guide the functioning of India’s democratic institutions.
