Kolkata, 09 January (H.S.): Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, expressed his gratitude to the Election Commission of India (ECI) in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) late Thursday night. He stated that the Election Commission has issued three important directives granting exemption to certain categories of voters from personal appearance during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, considering the special circumstances. He termed this a commendable step.

In his post, Suvendu Adhikari wrote that this decision will provide significant relief to voters who are currently residing outside the state. This includes students studying outside the state, patients admitted to hospitals, private sector employees temporarily working outside the state, government employees posted outside the state, personnel serving in the armed forces and paramilitary forces, PSU employees posted outside the state, and voters residing abroad.

He explained that all these categories of voters are now exempted from the mandatory personal appearance during the SIR process. The Election Commission has also made arrangements for family members of such voters to represent them at the hearing with the necessary documents.

According to Suvendu, this decision of the Election Commission will provide great relief to thousands of voters and will help ensure their participation in the democratic process. He said that this step by the ECI is practical and in the public interest, safeguarding the rights of those who are living far away or are compelled to reside outside the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey