Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq on Sunday sharply criticised the Election Commission of India over its decision to check women wearing burqas during the Bihar assembly elections, calling it discriminatory and an affront to democratic rights.
Speaking at a press conference at his residence in Deepa Sarai, Barq said, "We are deeply disappointed. The Election Commission's decisions are repeatedly raising questions about its credibility. The entire Opposition is not against the Commission without reason. There are genuine concerns about its functioning."
The MP expressed concern that the policy disproportionately targets Muslim women. "Everyone knows which section of society wears the burqa. Targeting veiled women like this is beyond my understanding. If rules are to be made, they should apply equally to all, not just to a particular class or community," he said.
Barq also criticised what he described as contradictions in the Commission’s approach. "The Commission spends crores of rupees to boost voter participation, but such measures will only reduce turnout. If people are made to feel harassed or excluded, how can their democratic rights be protected?"
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On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, he said, "The Election Commission works year-round, then why the sudden need for SIR? Parties have taken this issue to the Supreme Court, and we have received some relief through Aadhaar linkage. But now the Commission says it will implement SIR not just in Uttar Pradesh, but nationwide, step by step."
He clarified, "If SIR is used to remove voters on genuine grounds -- like death or relocation -- we have no issue. But if it is being used to target opposition supporters or people of a particular religion, then we have serious objections. Rules must be uniform and fair."
Highlighting cultural sensitivities, Barq said, "Not every woman dresses up in Western style. Many come from traditional backgrounds and prefer to remain covered in public. If such women are harassed under the guise of identity verification, their right to vote is essentially being denied."
The MP asserted that nationwide protests by opposition parties reflect broader concerns about fairness. "This is not just about Bihar. The impact is being felt across the country. The way SIR is being implemented appears to be part of a campaign targeting the Opposition. We demand that the Election Commission remain fair, neutral, and ensure that any policy it adopts applies equally to every citizen, not just to a specific community or political group," Barq added.
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