Assam Deputy Speaker defends SIR, slams Rahul Gandhi over voter list allegations

Guwahati: Assam Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Numal Momin on Monday responded to Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s accusations of voter list manipulation, defending the Centre’s electoral reforms and lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking “a very strong step” toward ensuring transparency in the voting process.

Momin highlighted that the Election Commission of India is conducting a thorough Standardisation of Electoral Roll (SIR) exercise for the first time, aimed at identifying genuine voters and removing illegal entries. He accused the Congress of being “habitual beneficiaries” of unlawful voters in previous elections.

“Congress fears that implementing SIR in the five upcoming poll-bound assemblies may produce results similar to Bihar,” Momin said. He criticised Rahul Gandhi for opposing the reforms, adding that the initiative would strengthen India’s democratic system. “Instead of supporting a brighter democratic future, he tries to malign India’s image abroad. Naturally, SIR will not favour him,” he remarked.

On territorial matters, Momin backed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent comments about border issues. He described discussions about border changes as “natural,” noting that Pakistan and Bangladesh were once part of undivided India.

Supporting Singh’s position, Momin added, “It is high time we reconsider our borders. India should reclaim PoK and certain parts of Bangladesh to protect minority communities facing religious persecution.”