The District Congress Committee (DCC) Mokokchung on Thursday held a candlelight vigil at the DCC Mokokchung Congress Bhavan, joining the nationwide “Massive Candlelight March against Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative” organized by the All-India Congress Committee (AICC). The protest, held simultaneously across the country at 8:00 pm, called on the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure transparency by releasing digital voter rolls so that political parties and citizens can audit them.
As instructed by the AICC, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) also participated in the campaign across various districts in the state.
Speaking to reporters, Temsu, General Secretary of DCC Mokokchung, said, “Our agitation will continue until our demands are met, which is, release the digital voters roll so that any political party of India can audit them.”
Temsu Jamir, Media Secretary of DCC Mokokchung, alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was “very strong in the Centre” and accused the ECI of colluding with the Government of India. “If that is not the case, BJP should come out against such malpractice,” he said.
“We have given the proof but instead of raising questions to BJP, the ECI is instead asking questions to Congress. This is a proof that they are hand in glove,” Jamir added.
DCC Mokokchung President Watimongba voiced concern over alleged irregularities in the electoral rolls, citing the inclusion of deceased persons and the removal of eligible voters.
The DCC also expressed support for party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, describing the candlelight vigil as “just the beginning.” The committee pledged full participation in the Congress’ signature campaign—targeting five crore signatories—and in upcoming mass rallies.
“We are ready to save democracy in India,” Watimongba declared.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Election Commission to publish details of 65 lakh voters removed from the electoral rolls after the Special Intensive Revision in poll-bound Bihar. “Transparency is needed… about 65 lakh deleted voters to enable people to seek clarification or correction,” a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymala Bagchi said.
Opposition parties welcomed the Supreme Court order, with the Congress calling it a “massive victory” for democracy and a “huge message” for “vote chors” (vote thieves) who “tried to distort” the electoral process in the state.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Election Commission to publish details of 65 lakh voters removed from the electoral rolls after the Special Intensive Revision in poll-bound Bihar. “Transparency is needed about 65 lakh deleted voters to enable people to seek clarification or correction,” a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymala Bagchi said.