The Trinamool Congress has criticised the decision of the Election Commission of India to permit people who are above the age of 65 to vote through postal ballot.
In an official letter to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, general secretary of TMC, Subrata Bakshi, said, “I express my party’s deepest reservation over amendments notified for conducting elections on June 19, 2020, and made public by the Election Commission of India spokesperson on July 2, 2020. We consider this move of allowing those above 65 years of age to vote through postal ballots arbitrary, mala fide, unconstitutional and ex facie a violation of rights to secrecy of vote, right to free and fair elections and right to health of citizens of India.”
The party claimed that the move is against inclusive democracy. “Our party is of the opinion that this amendment, issued without adequate consultation with the political parties, is antithetical to robust and inclusive democracy,” said Bakshi in the letter.
The TMC said there cannot any restriction for participating in the election because of age. “There exists no restriction like an upper age for participating in elections either to the Parliament or the state legislatures. Then, why should the citizens above 65 years of age be restrained from participating in elections? The said citizens cannot be excluded from the mainstream and be taken on the less travelled and extraordinary path of postal ballot,” said the letter.
The party said at least 13 chief ministers of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are above the age of 65. “According to the latest amendment, they would surely find themselves in an absurd situation where they can campaign but would not be allowed to vote in polling booths,” said Bakshi.
Incidentally, Mamata Banerjee too is over the age of 65.
He pointed out that it was ridiculous to suggest that a candidate above 65 years of age can contest the election, campaign, but could not cast their votes in the polling stations. “This is an attempt by the Centre to treat people above 65 years of age as outcasts, for reasons best known to Centre,” said Bakshi.
The TMC claimed that the process of casting the vote through postal ballot is cumbersome and added that the older people would be put to more risk as they would have to appear before a magistrate at the time of recording the vote.
TMC sources said the party would launch a major offensive against the Centre over the amendment as the decision has been taken keeping in mind the upcoming elections in Bihar, West Bengal and other states.
BJP said it was incorrect to say that the amendment is an injustice done the elderly. “Government employees also cast their votes through postal ballots, is it injustice to them?” asked a senior vice president of BJP.