Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jan 25: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said that institutions such as the Election Commission of India (ECI) have come under sustained pressure in recent times, asserting that it is the collective responsibility of citizens to protect their independence so that democracy does not merely survive, but truly thrives.

In a post on X on the occasion of National Voters’ Day, Kharge said the day serves as a powerful reminder that the future of a nation belongs to its people and that their collective voice has the power to shape the country’s destiny.

“The people of India deserve free, fair and fearless elections, where clean electoral rolls and a level-playing field are the primary requisites,” the Congress chief said.

Kharge alleged that attempts to snatch the “Right to Vote” through what he termed as “vote chori” and an unplanned Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls have tarnished India’s long-cherished democratic values.

“In recent times, our institutions like the Election Commission of India have faced sustained pressure. It is therefore our solemn responsibility to protect their independence and integrity, so that democracy does not merely survive, but truly thrives,” he said.

The Election Commission of India was established on January 25, 1950, a day before India became a republic. National Voters’ Day has been observed on this date for the past 16 years to encourage voter awareness and participation in the democratic process.