WASHINGTON, October 15 (ANI) — India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has strongly criticized recent statements by US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal concerning India’s democratic framework and electoral procedures.
In a post on X, Kwatra responded to remarks by the Indian American congresswoman regarding the removal of voters’ names from draft electoral rolls.
“The remarks by @RepJayapal on India’s electoral and political processes are unacceptable interference in India’s internal affairs. India is a vibrant democracy, with robust, independent constitutional institutions and a longstanding record of free and fair elections. Always open to constructive conversation with the Congresswoman to dispel her misconceptions,” Kwatra wrote.
Jayapal had earlier drawn criticism following her remarks on India’s electoral procedures, alleging that a large number of citizens were being removed from voter rolls.
“I am deeply concerned about the actions of the Indian government to purge 130 million people from the voting rolls,” Jayapal said in a post on X, marking the first time a US legislator had publicly commented on the matter.
The Democratic representative from Washington state also expressed support for peaceful demonstrations against what she described as “anti-democratic efforts in India.”
Drawing a comparison with domestic political developments, Jayapal said the situation resembled strategies employed by the Trump administration concerning voting rights in the United States.
Emphasizing the importance of protecting democracy, she maintained that Indian citizens, like Americans, are entitled to transparent and equitable electoral processes.
“Non-violent resistance movements are essential in these moments, and I stand with the Indian people who are engaging in non-violent protests to counter anti-democratic efforts in India,” Jayapal said.
According to data released by the Election Commission of India, approximately 72 million entries were removed from draft electoral rolls across 13 states and union territories during the first two phases of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
During the ongoing third phase, which covers the publication of draft electoral rolls across 18 states and union territories, the number of excluded electors stands at 61.6 million.
Addressing the omissions, the commission clarified that eligible voters whose names were inadvertently excluded during the SIR process can seek reinstatement through the claims and objections mechanism, followed by the submission of Form 6. (ANI)
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