“India’s regional influence shrinking”
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Apr 14: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra today raised concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, asserting that the Congress would not allow any “fiddling” with voter lists in the Union Territory.
Addressing reporters at the party headquarters here, Karra said the party has intensified internal coordination to closely monitor the revision process and prevent irregularities, stressing that the senior leaders have already held deliberations with district presidents across J&K.
“We will ensure there is no manipulation through the SIR. The party is working on it, and we will act with full intensity to prevent any wrongdoing,” he said.
Karra alleged that similar exercises in other states have witnessed discrepancies in the preparation of electoral rolls, including selective exclusion and inclusion of names.
“We will not allow such practices to take place in J&K,” he said, adding that the party would remain vigilant throughout the process.
He also questioned the role of the Election Commission of India (ECI), cautioning against any attempt to tamper with the electoral database.
Taking aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Karra termed its interpretation of the SIR “absurd,” saying the Congress was not bound to accept the ruling party’s narrative and would continue to raise concerns.
Karra also commented on the ongoing diplomatic engagements between the United States and Iran, describing fluctuations in talks as a normal feature of international diplomacy, but expressing concern over what he termed a “decline” in India’s regional influence under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Referring to Pakistan, he said the role being played by the neighbouring country in regional dynamics should ideally have been undertaken by India.
He alleged that India’s diplomatic space in South Asia has “shrunk” in recent years, allowing other countries, including Pakistan, to assert themselves more prominently.
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