Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has urged the Election Commission of India to accept alternative documents such as PAN cards and driving licenses for voter verification, warning that citizenship could be jeopardized if names are excluded during the process.
Concerns Over Citizenship
Speaking on the matter, Owaisi emphasized that the current verification process could have serious implications for the citizenship status of many individuals. He stated that the exclusion of names from the electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) might lead to questions about a person's citizenship. "Citizenship cannot be put at risk," he asserted, calling for a more flexible approach.
Alternative Documents Suggested
The All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief proposed that the Election Commission should accept PAN cards and driving licenses as valid proof for voter verification. He argued that many citizens, especially in rural areas, may not have Aadhaar cards or other commonly accepted documents, but possess these alternatives.
Background of the Issue
This comes amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Assam and other states. The process aims to update and clean the voter list, but has raised concerns among minority communities about potential disenfranchisement. Owaisi's statement reflects broader anxieties about the linkage between voter rolls and citizenship documentation, particularly in the context of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise.
Political Reactions
The Election Commission has not yet responded to Owaisi's request. Meanwhile, other political leaders have also weighed in, with some supporting the demand for more inclusive verification methods. The issue is expected to be discussed further in the upcoming parliamentary session.
Owaisi's appeal highlights the ongoing debate over voter rights and citizenship in India, as authorities balance the need for accurate rolls with the protection of citizens' fundamental rights.
