THE JHARKHANDSTORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Nov. 24: BJP State President and Leader of the Opposition, Babulal Marandi, has demanded that Chief Minister Hemant Soren immediately dismiss Health Minister Irfan Ansari. Marandi strongly criticized Ansari for making what he called an unconstitutional statement about detaining BLOs during the SIR process.
“Election Commission Has Full Authority”
Marandi said that the Constitution gives the Election Commission complete authority to ensure the purity and accuracy of voter lists. He called it ironic that Irfan Ansari—considered close to Rahul Gandhi and a Congress minister who often speaks about protecting the Constitution—is now obstructing a constitutional process and publicly threatening to “confine” and “hold hostage” BLOs.
Purpose of SIR: Clean and Accurate Voter Lists
Marandi explained that the main goal of the SIR process is to maintain transparent, updated, and error-free voter lists. This includes removing names of deceased and duplicate voters, updating information of people who have moved, adding new voters, and deleting fake names and infiltrators. He said this process is essential for maintaining the credibility of the electoral system.
“Irresponsible Remarks Harm Democracy”
He added that such irresponsible and provocative remarks disrupt the SIR process and directly attack democratic norms. According to Marandi, when a minister’s words threaten law and order and put election personnel at risk, he loses both moral and constitutional right to remain in office.
Demand for Immediate Dismissal and EC Action
Marandi said Chief Minister Hemant Soren should immediately dismiss Irfan Ansari, who has taken an oath to protect the Constitution but acted against it.
He also urged the Election Commission to take strict action in this matter.
