Hyderabad: Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Sunday alleged that ECI is losing its independence and allegedly functioning in accordance with the directives of the BJP govt at the Centre. Addressing party workers in New Delhi, he alleged that the SIR process was being used as a pretext to deprive eligible citizens of their voting rights and called for a nationwide movement to safeguard democracy. Bhatti said Rahul Gandhi had been warning about irregularities in the EC and electoral rolls for the past five to six years, but his concerns had initially been dismissed as political criticism.He said the issue had now assumed greater significance, with even two Election Commissioners reportedly raising objections that the CEC was not taking their views into consideration. He stressed that the ECI, being a constitutional body, must function independently rather than act according to the wishes of govt.Bhatti Vikramarka said the Constitution guarantees every eligible citizen an equal right to vote and that denying this fundamental right would undermine democracy. Recalling the sacrifices made during the freedom struggle and the contribution of BR Ambedkar in framing the Constitution, he said protecting democratic values and voting rights was a collective responsibility.He described the rally, organised following the call given by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, as historic and said people across the country must unite to protect democracy.Meanwhile, TPCC president and MLC B Mahesh Kumar Goud addressed Telangana Congress workers at Telangana Bhavan in Delhi and urged them to become part of the struggle being led by Rahul Gandhi. He called upon party workers to remain united and work towards protecting democracy.He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone who had joined the movement to safeguard democratic values and voting rights.
