New Delhi

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday claimed that the right to vote in India is under threat and called for it to be elevated to the status of a fundamental right.

Addressing reporters, Ramesh criticised Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the Election Commission’s neutrality has been compromised. He said the situation had deteriorated over time and accused the current leadership of not functioning as an impartial constitutional authority.

The Congress leader also referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and his earlier remarks on identifying and removing illegal immigrants. Ramesh questioned the government on the number of such individuals detected, deleted from voter rolls, or deported, linking the issue to concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

He further said opposition parties would continue efforts in the Rajya Sabha to push for the removal of the CEC, reiterating allegations that the office has not remained independent.

Making a broader constitutional argument, Ramesh stressed that voting rights in India are currently statutory rather than fundamental. He argued that granting the right to vote fundamental status would make it legally enforceable and better protected.

Referring to debates in the Constituent Assembly, he said leaders such as B R Ambedkar and Jagjivan Ram had cautioned that future governments might attempt to disenfranchise citizens.

Ramesh concluded by urging that the right to vote be formally recognised as a fundamental right to safeguard democratic participation.