‘Intellectual Naxal’ label an attempt to suppress dissent, alleges CPI(M)
He appeals to the intellectuals, democrats and political parties to condemn the attempt to criminalise dissent
The CPI(M) Andhra Pradesh secretary, V. Srinivasa Rao, recently criticized the BJP-led NDA government for attempting to suppress dissent by labeling critics as "intellectual Naxals." Speaking to the media in Vijayawada, Rao accused the government of using the term to intimidate intellectuals, democrats, and those questioning its policies, potentially leading to arrests and jailing. He alleged that the government was pursuing an authoritarian course to impose control over dissenting voices and curtail democratic rights.
Rao expressed deep concern over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which he claimed was resulting in the deletion of voters in Andhra Pradesh. According to him, 44 lakh names were being scrutinized, and nearly 25 lakh of those affected were migrant workers who faced difficulties exercising their franchise in their new places of residence while retaining their voting rights in their native villages.
The issue was particularly grave as it disproportionately impacted poor and working-class citizens, he argued.
The CPI(M) leader cited Article 326 of the Constitution, emphasizing that every citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote. He questioned the Election Commission's authority to demand proof of eligibility from citizens to remain on the electoral rolls, suggesting that the responsibility for identifying ineligible voters should lie solely with the Commission. Srinivasa Rao appealed to intellectuals, democrats, and political parties to condemn the attempt to criminalize dissent and protect democratic freedoms.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
