Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has renewed the party's demand for making voting a fundamental right, arguing that it would strengthen democratic participation. Speaking at a press conference, Ramesh said that the current legal framework does not adequately protect the right to vote, leading to disenfranchisement and low turnout in many parts of the country.
Constitutional amendment proposed
Ramesh stated that the Congress party will push for a constitutional amendment to enshrine voting as a fundamental right under Article 19 or a new article. He emphasized that voting is not merely a statutory right but a basic democratic entitlement that should be enforceable in courts. The move, he said, would ensure that every citizen has an unimpeded opportunity to cast their ballot.
Low turnout concerns
The Congress leader expressed concern over declining voter turnout in several states, noting that apathy among voters, especially the youth, is a worrying trend. He argued that making voting a fundamental right would compel the Election Commission and the government to take proactive measures to remove barriers to participation, such as logistical issues, voter ID problems, and lack of awareness.
Ramesh also downplayed the significance of higher turnout in recent Assembly elections in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Assam. He said that these states traditionally have higher voter participation due to strong political awareness and competitive regional parties, but the national trend remains concerning.
Response to Chief Election Commissioner
His remarks came in response to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's recent statement that voter turnout in India is relatively high compared to other democracies. Ramesh countered that while India's turnout may be better than some countries, it is still below the potential of a vibrant democracy. He urged the Election Commission to focus on increasing participation rather than defending the status quo.
The Congress party has also called for a comprehensive review of the electoral process, including the use of technology, voter registration drives, and measures to reduce the influence of money and muscle power. Ramesh reiterated that the right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy and must be given constitutional status to safeguard it for future generations.
