On Independence Day, Opp gives call to ‘safeguard democracy’ amid ‘vote theft’ row

“We participated in the protest in Delhi against the Election Commission of India because the issue was about safeguarding democracy. The elections will continue, but it is utmost important to safeguard democracy,” said NCP (SP) working president and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule after the flag-hoisting ceremony at the party headquarters.

NCP (SP) state president Shashikant Shinde said it was time for all to ponder upon the fight of our freedom fighters. “Looking at the ongoing onslaught on our democracy, one wonders whether we achieved Independence for this,” Shinde said, adding that it was time for all of us to stand together to protect democracy on this Independence Day.

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal, speaking after the flag hoisting at the Congress headquarters Tilak Bhavan, said, “The powers in government today never participated in the freedom struggle. These people were with the British, they enjoyed pension from the British and never participated in the freedom struggle. The Congress was at the forefront of this struggle and it made huge sacrifices for our Independence.” He added that the “indiscipline” and “chaos” prevalent in the country today can be checked only by the Congress.

Meanwhile, commenting on the voter revision exercise, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare said the process for revision of voters is continuous. “There is a possibility that a voter might have his or her name registered twice as he / she changes address for some reason. But it is important to ensure the voter does not vote twice. To ensure that doesn’t happen, the revision process takes place,” said Tatkare, when asked about the ongoing allegations of vote theft.